Acta paediatrica
-
Clinical Trial
Improved arterial oxygenation in children with the adult respiratory distress syndrome: the prone position.
Seven ventilated children with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were studied. While supine and haemodynamically stable, baseline arterial blood-gas analyses and haemodynamic measurements, including cardiac output, were performed. Each child was then turned prone and 30 min later a repeat set of measurements were made. ⋯ Similarly, oxygen delivery significantly increased (p < 0.02). The prone position improves arterial oxygenation and oxygen delivery in children with ARDS. By adopting the prone position, in ventilated children with ARDS, we surmise that realistic gas exchange targets may be reachable with lower levels of inspired oxygen and/or peak airway pressures.