Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients with COVID-19 that require invasive mechanical ventilation have a high mortality. Early prone positioning for self-ventilating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who have hypoxemia (spO2 <94%) despite HFNC or face mask oxygen via venturi (fiO2 40%) will result in improved oxygenation, reduced work of breathing and a reduced need for invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This Prospective Observational Cohort study conducted to determine the effect of early use of Prone Positioning combined with NIV or HFNC in hospitalized moderate to severe COVID-19 patients, requiring non-invasive ventilation. The study was conducted for a period of 12 months from October 2020 to September 2021. RESULTS:The mean SpO2 among patients with NIV and Prone positioning; and with HFNC and Prone positioning were statistically significantly higher than when compared to the patients with NIV and HFNC without Prone positioning respectively (p value = 0.003 and < 0.001). The mean PaO2/FiO2 among patients with NIV and Prone position; and with HFNC and Prone position were statistically significantly higher than when compared to the patients with NIV and HFNC without Prone position. Keywords: PRONE POSITION, COVID 19, NIV, HFNC

Description