Prone positioning in COVID-19: Same for all?

Abstract

Proning is a medically admissible procedure in which a patient is turned onto their abdomen from their back, by precise, accurate, and secure motions. This procedure often finds itself in use as an adjunctive in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a dreadful complication of many respiratory infections, including the disease of the moment: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19 can lead to a plethora of complications, with ARDS, causing breathing difficulties and leading to hazardously low levels of oxygen in the blood, taking the forefront. The treatment of this condition often requires invasive ventilation; and to decrease the strain on resources providing such, several protocols have been observed to improve the breathing capability and enhance oxygen exchange, of which one is prone positioning. Here, we review various literature regarding the proning procedure in COVID-19 patients and elaborate the efficacy, merits, and demerits.