Lung volumes and lung volume recruitment in ARDS: a comparison between supine and prone position.

Background: The use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and prone position (PP) is common in the management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome patients (ARDS). We conducted this study to analyze the variation in lung volumes and PEEP-induced lung volume recruitment with the change from supine position (SP) to PP in ARDS patients.

Methods: The investigation was conducted in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.