To Study the Retroprospective Investigations of the Benefits of Prone Positioning with NRBM in Covid 19 Patients

Abstract

Objective :To detect the improvement in oxygenation (sp02) with prone position ventilation with nrbm in non intubated patients. To detect the haemodynamic changes and evaluate the side effect with prone position ventilationMethods: Continuous vital signs were monitored. Oxygen therapy was initiated with face mask at 5 L/minute and the flow rate was titrated to reach the target SpO2 >94%. If the target SpO2 was not achieved then non-rebreathing mask (NRBM) at 10 to 15 L/minute was considered. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) was started if respiratory distress worsened or hypoxemia not alleviated by standard oxygen therapy.Results: The median maximum prone duration per session was 2 hours. The median P/f ratio significantly improved from supine to prone position from day 1 to day 10. We were able to reduce the intubation rates, avoid the problems related to invasive ventilation .The mean duration of stay was 10 days in HDU. Two out of 15 patients who required intubation were shifted to ICU and subsequently expired.:Conclusion: Awake prone positioning showed marked improvement in P/f ratio and SpO2 in COVID-19 patients with improvement in clinical symptoms and minimal complications. We were able to reduce the intubation rates which helped in offloading the resource and manpower burden on healthcare system in pandemic.