Effect of pron application on gas exchange in COVID-19 ARDS patients over and under 24 hours

Prone position is a frequently used method in invasive mechanical ventilation application in COVID-19 ARDS patients to correct inadequate oxygenation and improve gas exchange. The aim of this study is to determine the difference in effectiveness of short and long-term applications of the prone position, to determine the most appropriate application period and, accordingly, to reduce the complications and difficulty of care that may occur after the prone position. Between 2020 and 2021, approximately 800 patients treated for COVID-19 in the intensive care unit were screened. 79 ARDS patients who were intubated and applied prone position for at least 16 hours were included in the study. Parameters related to mechanical ventilation (airway pressures and gas exchange data) were recorded. The patients were evaluated by dividing them into two groups in which prone position was applied for 16-24 hours and 24-36 hours. The study observed that a minimum of 16 hours of prone time had a positive effect on ARDS patients. The data obtained showed that the prone position had a positive effect on oxygenation and gas exchange. There were no statistically significant differences in P/F and PCO2 values ​​in the prone duration 16-24 hour and 24-36 hour groups. As a result, in the light of the data we obtained, it was shown that the prone position works in COVID-19 ARDS patients, but long-term prone position does not have a positive or negative effect on oxygenation and gas exchange. The duration can be determined according to the general procedures of the clinics.