Prone ventilation in trauma or surgical patients with acute lung injury and adult respiratory distress syndrome: is it beneficial?

Background: To compare the effectiveness of supine versus prone kinetic therapy in mechanically ventilated trauma and surgical patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with ALI/ARDS who were placed on either a supine (roto-rest) or prone (roto-prone) oscillating bed was performed. Data obtained included age, revised trauma score (RTS), base deficit, Injury Severity Score (ISS), head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (AIS), chest (AIS), PaO2/FiO2 ratio, FiO2 requirement, central venous pressure (CVP), days on the bed, ventilator days, use of pressors, complications, mortality, and pulmonary-associated mortality.