Comparison of lateral position ventilation and prone position ventilation in the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of lateral position ventilation and prone position ventilation in the pa- tients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.Methods 23 patients were randomly divided into two groups:lateral position ventila- tion group and prone position ventilation group.Respiratory and circulatory indices were monitored supine position,at 1,2,4 hours af- ter position changes and 1 hour after returning to supine position,and also compared between the two groups.Results Compared with supine position,PaO_2 and oxygenation index increased at 1,2,4 hours after position changes and 1 hour after returning to supine posi- tion in two groups,and there were statistical differences(P＜0.05);There were no statistical differences in HR,MAP,PaCO_2 and peak inspiratory pressure(PIP)in two groups(P＞0.05).If a 10 mm Hg increase was regarded as the standard of treatment effectiveness, the effective rate in the lateral position ventilation group was 73.3% and in the prone position ventilation group was 66.7%.There was no statistical difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion As a means in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome,lateral position ventilation and prone position ventilation showed similar effects,but the lateral position is more convenient for the practice and medical care,thus needs further investigation.