Efectos del decúbito prono en síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo secundario a COVID-19: experiencia en un hospital de alta complejidad

Introduction

The use of protective mechanical ventilation and prone position was recommended for the management of moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19, as a result of its reported utility on oxygenation and mortality. Our objective is to describe gasometric and mechanical behavior in subjects with ARDS due to COVID-19 managed with protective mechanical ventilation and prone position in a high complexity hospital.

Method

Observational study. Subjects ≥18 years of age with ARDS due to COVID-19 were included. Protective mechanical ventilation was started from the first connection to invasive ventilation, while the prone position started with PaO₂/FIO₂  150. Follow-up was performed during and after the prone position. A descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics and comparison of means between groups was performed using the Dunn and Friedman test. Statistical significance corresponds to p  0.05 in all analyses.

Results

74 subjects were studied, 58% correspond to men with a mean age of 60 years. There is evidence of a significant increase in arterial oxygenation assessed by PaO₂ (76 to 98 mmHg, p  0.05) and PaO₂/FIO₂ (100 to 161, p  0.05) during the first hour of treatment, with stability of values beyond 48 hours after supination. Pulmonary mechanics values remain constant within the established protection range (p = 0,18).

Conclusion

The strategy of protective mechanical ventilation and prone position for 48 or more hours, in subjects with moderate to severe ARDS due to COVID-19, improves and maintains arterial oxygenation up to 48 hours after supination.