Patient Self-Proning with High-Flow Nasal Cannula Improves Oxygenation in ARDS Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe lung disease caused by a variety of direct and indirect insults. It is characterized by acute onset of tachypnea, hypoxemia, and loss of lung compliance. Significant atelectasis is also frequently present. It is associated with increased length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), long hospital stay, higher hospital charges as well as increased morbidity and mortality. However, it can be treated if dealt with promptly. Objective This work aims to evaluate the effect of self-proning with a high-flow nasal cannula in patients with ARDS on oxygenation and incidence of intubation. Results High flow nasal cannula and Proning was effective in improving oxygenation of the mild ARDS patients and decreasing the incidence of intubation (11 patients intubated in group 1, 4 in group 2), mortality(35 survived in group 1,42 in group 2) and ICU stay in these patients. Conclusions HFNC AND PRONING succeeded in prophylaxis against intubation in mild ARDS patients in ICU. And they succeeded in decreasing ICU stay days and improving the outcome of mild ARDS patients. Example Trial registration: PACTR202204746577792. Registered 14 April 2022 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.pactr.org/PACTR202204746577792