Prone Position Ventilation in a Spontaneous Breathing Patient with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: A Case Report

Prone position ventilation has been known to improve oxygenation. It has often been used as an adjunct to mechanical ventilation but seldom suggested in patients able to breathe spontaneously. We present our experience with the prone position in a spontaneously breathing patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Although further clinical investigation is required, prone positioning allowed us to postpone endotracheal intubation in this patient with impending respiratory failure and rapidly reversed her severe hypoxemia. If the prone position could help prevent intubation, it would be important information for treating patients with SARS.