Prone positioning is one of the few therapies known to improve mortality in ARDS. Traditionally, patients are proned for 16 hours per 24 hour period. Some retrospective data suggests improvement may persist beyond 16 hours. We aim to perform a pilot study comparing traditional prone positioning to prolonged prone positioning in patients with COVID-induced ARDS.
Other: Prolonged Proned Positioning
Patients will be placed in the prone position for 24 hours followed by 8 hours supine for consecutive periods for the duration of the study period
Other: Traditional Proning Arm
Patients will be placed in the prone position for 16 hours followed by 8 hours supine for consecutive periods for the duration of the study period
Inclusion Criteria:
Positive COVID test Endotracheal Intubation P:F <150 within 1hours of inclusion on at least
60% FiO2, 10cmH20 PEEP Treating physician plans to implement prone positioning imminently
Housed in the UAB MICU.
Exclusion Criteria:
Pre-existing treatment limitation (e.g. DNR order) Prisoner Pregnant Female Children (<18
years old) Respiratory Failure felt to be caused primarily by something other than COVID-19
Mechanical ventilation for >48 hours prior to initiation of prone positioning
Contraindication to proning Physician discretion
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States