Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prone position: a systematic review of case series/reports

Abstract Introduction The prone position is frequently adopted for surgical or critically ill patients in intensive care. Cardiorespiratory arrest in these patients may pose an operational challenge, in which delays resulting from mobilization to the supine position culminate in worse outcomes. Objective To provide clinical insight based on the synthesis of evidence from reports or case series on reverse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (reverse CPR) in surgical patients or invasive ventilatory support in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods This is a systematic review of reports or case series in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases, in addition to a search of the gray literature. Case reports published in any language, reporting at least one case of prone cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients of any age and in any care context, were considered eligible. Results Thirteen studies of fourteen cases of successful reverse resuscitation were retrieved. Three patients died within 30 days, while the others survived without complications or neurological sequelae. Conclusion Despite limited evidence to support clinical decision-making, prone resuscitation appears to be a feasible alternative in exceptional circumstances, where patient mobilization may result in additional harm, delay or interrupt advanced life support (compressions, high-quality early chest surgery, and defibrillation) or incur occupational risks to the health team.