Characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality during the first cycle of prone secondary to ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia / Características y factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad durante el primer ciclo de prono por SDRA secundario a neumonía por SARS-CoV-2

Objective To analyze characteristics, changes in oxygenation, and pulmonary mechanics, in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 treated with prone position and evaluate the response to this maneuver.Design Cohort study including patients with PaO2/FiO2 <150mmHg requiring prone position over 18 months. We classified patients according to PaO2/FiO2 changes from basal to 24h after the first prone cycle as: 1) no increase 2) increase <25%, 3) 25%–50% increase 4) increase >50%. Setting 33-bed medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Argentina. Patients 273 patients. Interventions None. Main variables of interest Epidemiological characteristics, respiratory mechanics and oxygenation were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality were identified. Results Baseline PaO2/FiO2 was 116 [97–135]mmHg (115 [94–136] in survivors vs. 117 [98–134] in non-survivors; p=0.50). After prone positioning, 22 patients (8%) had similar PaO2/FiO2 values; 46(16%) increased PaO2/FiO2 ≤25%; 55 (21%) increased it 25%–50%; and 150 (55%), >50%. Mortality was 86%, 87%, 72% and 50% respectively (p<0.001). Baseline PaO2/FiO2, <100mmHg did not imply that patients were refractory to prone position. Factors independently associated with mortality were age, percentage increase in PaO2/FiO2 after 24h being in prone, and number of prone cycles. Conclusions Older patients unable to improve PaO2/FiO2 after 24h in prone position and who require >1 cycle might early receive additional treatments for refractory hypoxemia. After the first 24h in the prone position, a low percentage of PaO2/FiO2 increase over baseline, beyond the initial value, was independently associated with higher mortality. (AU)

Objetivo Analizar las características, cambios en la oxigenación y mecánica pulmonar, en pacientes ventilados mecánicamente con SDRA por SARS-CoV-2 tratados con posición prona, y evaluar la respuesta a esta maniobra. Diseño Estudio de cohorte que incluyó pacientes con PaO2/FiO2 <150mmHg que requirieron posición prona durante 18 meses. Se clasificaron los pacientes según los cambios de PaO2/FiO2 desde el basal y 24horas después del primer ciclo prono como: 1) Sin aumento 2) Aumento <25%, 3) 25–50% de aumento 4) Aumento >50%. Ambito Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) médico-quirúrgica de 33 camas en Argentina. Pacientes 273 pacientes. Intervenciones Ninguna. Principales variables de interés Se compararon características epidemiológicas, mecánica respiratoria y oxigenación entre sobrevivientes y no sobrevivientes. Se identificaron factores independientes asociados a la mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados La PaO2/FiO2 basal fue de 116 [97–135]mmHg (115 [94–136] en sobrevivientes vs. 117 [98–134] en no sobrevivientes; p=0,50). Después de la posición prona, 22 pacientes (8%) tenían valores similares de PaO2/FiO2; 46 (16%) aumentaron PaO2/FiO2 ≤25%; 55 (21%) lo aumentaron 25%–50%; y 150 (55%), >50%. La mortalidad fue de 86%, 87%, 72% y 50% respectivamente (p<0,001). La PaO2/FiO2 basal, <100mmHg no implicó que los pacientes fueran refractarios a la posición prona. Los factores asociados independientemente con la mortalidad fueron la edad, el aumento porcentual de PaO2/FiO2 después de 24horas en prona, y el número de ciclos prono. Conclusiones Los pacientes mayores que no pueden mejorar PaO2/FiO2 después de 24 horas en posición prona y que requieren más de 1 ciclo podrían recibir tratamientos adicionales para la hipoxemia refractaria. Después de las primeras 24horas en decúbito prono, un bajo porcentaje de aumento de PaO2/FiO2 sobre el valor basal, más allá del valor inicial, se asoció de forma independiente con una mayor mortalidad. (AU)

Characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality during the first cycle of prone secondary to ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze characteristics, changes in oxygenation, and pulmonary mechanics, in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 treated with prone position and evaluate the response to this maneuver. DESIGN: Cohort study including patients with PaO2/FiO2 <150mmHg requiring prone position over 18 months. We classified patients according to PaO2/FiO2 changes from basal to 24h after the first prone cycle as: 1) no increase 2) increase <25%, 3) 25%-50% increase 4) increase >50%. SETTING: 33-bed medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Argentina. PATIENTS: 273 patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Epidemiological characteristics, respiratory mechanics and oxygenation were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality were identified. RESULTS: Baseline PaO2/FiO2 was 116 [97-135]mmHg (115 [94-136] in survivors vs. 117 [98-134] in non-survivors; p=0.50). After prone positioning, 22 patients (8%) had similar PaO2/FiO2 values; 46(16%) increased PaO2/FiO2 ≤25%; 55 (21%) increased it 25%-50%; and 150 (55%), >50%. Mortality was 86%, 87%, 72% and 50% respectively (p<0.001). Baseline PaO2/FiO2, <100mmHg did not imply that patients were refractory to prone position. Factors independently associated with mortality were age, percentage increase in PaO2/FiO2 after 24h being in prone, and number of prone cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients unable to improve PaO2/FiO2 after 24h in prone position and who require >1 cycle might early receive additional treatments for refractory hypoxemia. After the first 24h in the prone position, a low percentage of PaO2/FiO2 increase over baseline, beyond the initial value, was independently associated with higher mortality.

Efecto del óxido nítrico inhalado en la mecánica ventilatoria y oxigenación de pacientes con hipoxemia grave refractaria a prono prolongado y bloqueo neuromuscular secundario a infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on ventilatory mechanics and oxygenation of patients with severe hypoxemia refractory to prolonged prone and neuromuscular blockade secondary to SARS-CoV-2 / Efeito do óxido nítrico inalado na mecânica ventilatória e oxigenação de pacientes com hipoxemia grave refratária a pronação prolongada e bloqueio neuromuscular secundário à infecção por SARS-CoV-2

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract: Introduction: Among the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, 14.6% were admitted to intensive care unit. this 29 to 75% required invasive mechanical ventilation with an associated mortality of 12 to 81%. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most serious form of presentation. The pathophysiology of ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2 differs from conventional causes. It presents dysregulation in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, secondary acute pulmonary hypertension and microthrombotic phenomena. The development of refractory severe hypoxemia (PaO2 < 60 mmHg or PaO2/FiO2 < 100 mmHg, with FiO2 80 to 100%, with PEEP > 10 to 20 cmH2O for at least 10 to 12 hours) constitutes the scenario of maximum severity with an associated mortality of 71 to 94%. The use of rescue strategies that impact on the specific pathophysiology of this entity such as the use of inhaled nitric oxide, neuromuscular blockade and prone ventilation have emerged as therapeutic targets of interest. Protective mechanical ventilation (plateau pressure [Pplat] < 27 cmH2O and driving pressure [DP] < 15 cmH2O) continues to be the cornerstone of the management. Objectives: To determine whether there is an association between the use of inhaled nitric oxide and prone ventilation with ventilatory mechanics in patients with severe refractory hypoxemia secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material and methods: A historical, retrospective, descriptive, comparative and retrolective cohort study was carried out. Data from the records of patients admitted to the Respiratory ICU of the ABC Medical Center with a diagnosis of ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection who required iNO and mechanical ventilation in prone from April 1 to December 31, 2020 were analyzed. A univariate analysis was performed, the statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v 21, measures of trend, dispersion were analyzed as well as the analysis of risk factors with Student's t test and χ2. Results: A total of 108 patients were analyzed, of which 54 received iNO, neuromuscular blockade and prone and 54 only neuromuscular blockade and prone ventilation. 81.5% (n = 88) were men. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus in 51.9% (n = 56). The increase in oxygenation (delta PaO2/FiO2) was with a median of 31.9 ± 15.2 mmHg in the iNO group and 52.9 ± 16.74 mmHg in the control group (p = 0.001). The postintervention Pplat in the iNO group was 26.3 ± 3 and 34.5 ± 1.9 cmH2O in the control group (p = 0.792). The preintervention DP in the iNO group was 17.2 ± 3.9 and 13.4 ± 2.8 cmH2O in control group vs 13.1 ± 1.29 and 12 ± 1.92 cmH2O after the intervention (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The use of iNO in patients with severe hypoxemia refractory to prone ventilation and neuromuscular blockade did not produce a statistically significant improvement in oxygenation, however it allowed to reprogram the ventilatory support to keep the patient in goals of alveolar protection.

Resumo: Introdução: 14.6% dos pacientes infectados com SARS-CoV-2 são internados em terapia intensiva. Destes, 29 a 75% necessitam de ventilação mecânica invasiva com mortalidade associada de 12 a 81%. A síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA) é a forma mais grave de apresentação. A fisiopatologia da SDRA secundária ao SARS-CoV-2 difere das causas convencionais. Apresenta desregulação na vasoconstrição pulmonar hipóxica, hipertensão pulmonar aguda secundária e fenômenos microtrombóticos. O desenvolvimento de hipoxemia grave refratária (PaO2 < 60 mmHg ou PaO2/FiO2 < 100 mmHg, com FiO2 de 80 a 100%, PEEP > 10 a 20 cmH2O por pelo menos 10 a 12 horas) constitui o cenário mais grave com mortalidade associada de 71 a 94%. O uso de estratégias de resgate que impactam na fisiopatologia específica dessa entidade, como o uso de óxido nítrico inalatório (NOi), bloqueio neuromuscular e ventilação prona, surgiram como alvos terapêuticos de interesse. A ventilação mecânica protetora (Pressão de Platô [PPLAT] < 27 cmH2O e Pressão de Condução [CP] < 15 cmH2O) continua sendo a base de seu manejo. Objetivo: Determinar se existe associação entre o uso de óxido nítrico inalatório e ventilação prona prolongada com mecânica ventilatória em pacientes com hipoxemia refratária grave secundária à infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte histórico, retrospectivo, descritivo, comparativo e retroletivo. Analisaram-se dados dos prontuários de pacientes internados na UTI Respiratória do Centro Médico ABC com diagnóstico de SDRA secundária à infecção por SARS-CoV-2 que necessitaram de óxido nítrico inalatório e ventilação mecânica prona no período de 1o de abril a 31 de dezembro de 2020. Realizou-se uma análise univariada , a análise estatística foi realizada no SPSS v 21, foram analisadas as medidas de tendência e dispersão, assim como a análise dos fatores de risco com teste t de Student e χ2. Resultados: Analisaram-se 108 pacientes, dos quais 54 receberam NOi, bloqueio neuromuscular e prono e 54 apenas bloqueio neuromuscular e ventilação prona. 81.5% (n = 88) eram homens. A comorbidade mais comum foi diabetes mellitus em 51.9% (n = 56). O aumento da oxigenação (Delta PaO2/FiO2) foi com mediana de 31.9 ± 15.2 mmHg no grupo NOi e 52.9 ± 16.74 mmHg no grupo controle (p = 0.001). A PPLAT após a intervenção no grupo NOi foi de 26.3 ± 3 e 34.5 ± 1.9 cmH2O no grupo controle (p = 0.792). A PC antes da intervenção no grupo NOi foi de 17.2 ± 3.9 e 13.4 ± 2.8 cmH2O no grupo controle vs 13.1 ± 1.29 e 12 ± 1.92 cmH2O após a intervenção (p = 0.001). Conclusões: O uso de NOi em pacientes com hipoxemia grave refratária à ventilação em pronação e bloqueio neuromuscular não produziu melhora estatisticamente significativa na oxigenação, porém permitiu que o suporte ventilatório fosse reprogramado para manter as metas de proteção alveolar do paciente.

The use of ECMO in ICU. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units. / Empleo de ECMO en UCI. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva Crítica y Unidades Coronarias.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems has increased significantly in recent years; given this reality, the Spanish Society of Critical Intensive Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) has decided to draw up a series of recommendations that serve as a framework for the use of this technique in intensive care units. The three most frequent areas of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems use in our setting are: as a cardiocirculatory support, as a respiratory support and for the maintenance of the abdominal organs in donors. The SEMICYUC appointed a series of experts belonging to the three working groups involved (Cardiological Intensive Care and CPR, Acute Respiratory Failure and Transplant work group) that, after reviewing the existing literature until March 2018, developed a series of recommendations. These recommendations were posted on the SEMICYUC website to receive suggestions from the intensivists and finally approved by the Scientific Committee of the Society. The recommendations, based on current knowledge, are about which patients may be candidates for the technique, when to start it and the necessary infrastructure conditions of the hospital centers or, the conditions for transfer to centers with experience. Although from a physiopathological point of view, there are clear arguments for the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems, the current scientific evidence is weak, so studies are needed that define more precisely which patients benefit most from the technique and when they should start.

Ventilación mecánica en decúbito prono: estrategia ventilatoria temprana y prolongada en SIRA severo por influenza / Prone mechanical ventilation: ventilatory strategy early and prolonged in severe ARDS by influenza / Ventilação mecânica em decúbito prono: Estratégia ventilatória precoce e prolongada

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SIRA) de causa pulmonar es actualmente una condición que pone en peligro la vida del paciente cuando se desarrolla hipoxemia severa y refractaria. Las estrategias terapéuticas son limitadas e incluso controversiales. La ventilación mecánica en decúbito prono llevada a cabo de manera temprana y prolongada se asocia a incremento en la sobrevida. Objetivos: Determinar la mortalidad asociada al SIRA severo por influenza utilizando como estrategia la ventilación mecánica en decúbito prono prolongada. Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y de intervención. Se reclutaron pacientes de marzo de 2016 a abril de 2016 con diagnóstico de SIRA severo por influenza que ingresaron a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Se agrupó a los pacientes de acuerdo con el desenlace (mejoría o defunción). Resultados: Se incluyeron nueve pacientes con una media de edad de 47 ± 16 años. En 78% fueron hombres. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue la HAS con 44%. Ocho pacientes fueron sometidos durante su estancia a ventilación mecánica en decúbito prono y se agruparon según el desenlace. Tres pacientes fallecieron y seis fueron dados de alta de la UCI por mejoría. No se observó diferencia significativa en edad, tiempo de evolución, niveles de pH, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3, o SOFA a su ingreso en ambos grupos (p > 0.05 en todos los casos). Después de 96 horas de la pronación los valores de la PEEP fueron más altos en los pacientes fallecidos (p = 0.026) y en los parámetros de gasometría arterial se detectó disminución en los niveles O2 y la relación PaO2/FiO2, además de aumento en los requerimientos de FiO2 en los pacientes que fallecieron, siendo estadísticamente significativo (p < 0.05). Otros factores que se analizaron fueron antecedente de HAS, DM 2, tabaquismo, tiempo de pronación, manejo con esteroide y uso de antibióticos previo al ingreso a la UCI. (Prueba exacta de Fisher con p > 0.05 y OR no significativa en todos los casos). Conclusiones: La hipoxemia refractaria es el factor más importante involucrado en la mortalidad en pacientes con influenza y SIRA severo. La ventilación mecánica en decúbito prono temprana y prolongada por 48 horas debería considerarse una práctica habitual en este grupo de pacientes.

Abstract: Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to pulmonary disease is currently a condition that endangers the patient's life, when severe and refractory hypoxemia develops, therapeutic strategies are limited and even controversial. Mechanical ventilation in prone position conducted early and prolonged is associated with increased survival. Objetives: To determine the mortality associated with severe ARDS by influenza using a strategy of prolonged mechanical ventilation in prone position. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study intervention. March 2016 patients were recruited to April 2016 with the diagnosis of severe ARDS, which will enter the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). They were grouped patients according to outcome (improvement or death). Results: Nine patients were included, with a mean age of 47 ± 16 years. 78% were men. The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension with 44%. During their stay, eight patients underwent mechanical ventilation in prone position and were grouped according to the outcome. Three patients died and six were discharged from the ICU for improvement. No significant difference was observed in age, duration, pH levels, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3 or SOFA at admission in both groups (p > 0.05 in all cases). Ninety six hours after pronation values PEEP were higher in patients who died (p = 0.026) and parameters ABG decrease in O2 levels and PaO2/FiO2 was observed, in addition to increase in FiO2 requirements in the patient who died, were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Other factors that were analyzed were history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, time pronation, handling and use of steroid antibiotics prior to admission to the ICU. (Fisher exact test with p > 0.05 and no significant OR in all cases). Conclusions: Refractory hypoxemia is the most important factor involved with mortality in patients with severe ARDS. Mechanical ventilation in the prone position early and prolonged by 48 hours should be considered a standard practice in this patient group.

Resumo: Introdução: A Síndrome da Angústia Respiratória Aguda (SARA), devido a doença pulmonar é atualmente uma condição que põe em risco a vida do paciente quando desenvolve hipoxemia grave e refratária, as estratégias terapêuticas são limitadas e até mesmo controversas. A ventilação mecânica em decúbito prono realizada mais cedo e prolongada está associada com aumento da sobrevida. Objetivo: Determinar a mortalidade associada com SARA grave por influenza usando como estratégia a ventilação mecânica em decúbito prono prolongada. Materiais e metodos: Estudo prospectivo, transversal, descritivo, de intervenção. Foram recrutados pacientes de março de 2016 a abril de 2016 com diagnóstico de SARA grave por influenza, que foram admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com o resultado (melhora ou morte). Resultados: Foram incluídos 9 pacientes, com idade média de 47 ± 16 anos. 78% do sexo masculino. A comorbidade mais frequente foi a HAS com 44%. Durante a estância, oito pacientes foram submetidos a ventilação mecânica na posição decúbito prono e agrupados de acordo com o resultado. Três pacientes faleceram e seis tiveram alta da UTI por melhora. Não foi observada diferença significativa na idade, tempo de evolução, níveis de pH, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3 ou SOFA na admissão em ambos os grupos (0 > 0.05 em todos os casos). 96 horas após a pronação os valores da PEEP foram maiores nos pacientes que faleceram (p = 0.026) e nos parâmetros da gasometria arterial observou-se uma diminuição nos níveis de O2 e na relação PaO2/FiO2, ademais de um aumento nas necessidades FiO2 nos pacientes que faleceram, sendo estatisticamente significativa (p < 0.05). Outros fatores que foram analisados: antecedente​ de HAS, DM 2, tabagismo, tempo de pronação, tratamento com esteróides e uso de antibióticos prévia admissão na UTI. (Prova exata de Fisher com p > 0.05 e OR não significativa em todos os casos). Conclusões: A hipoxemia refratária é o fator mais importante envolvido com a mortalidade em pacientes com influenza e SARA grave. A ventilação mecânica em decúbito prono precoce e prolongada por 48hrs deve ser considerado uma prática padrão neste grupo de pacientes.

Decúbito prono: revisión narrativa / Prone position: revision narrative

Los pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo demandan gran atención en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. La utilización del decúbito prono en esta población tiene un sustento bibliográfico sumamente sólido y, en varios ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, se ha comprobado su efecto sobre la oxigenación medida a través de la relación PaO2/FiO2 e incluso su impacto en prolongar la supervivencia. Esta estrategia ha demostrado ser una maniobra útil y accesible para la mayor parte de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y su implementación, realizada de manera protocolizada y por personal entrenado, debería ser considerada en un grupo selecto de pacientes quienes se beneficiarían en términos de mortalidad. En la Argentina, pareciera que muchos profesionales han decidido implementar la maniobra en sus lugares de trabajo, con un bajo porcentaje de complicaciones.(AU)

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome demand great attention in the Intensive Care Unit. The use of prone position in this population has a very robust literary support, and several randomized clinical trials have shown the effect on oxygenation (represented by an increase in PaO2/FiO2) and even its impact on increasing survival. The prone position has proved to be a useful and accessible maneuver for most of Intensive Care Units and its implementation, following a protocol and done for trained personnel, should be considered in a select group of patients who would benefit in terms of mortality. In Argentina, many professionals have decided to implement the prone position in their workplace, with a low percentage of complications.(AU)

Decúbito prono en pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo / Prone position in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

RESUMEN El síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo ocupa gran atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. A pesar del amplio conocimiento alcanzado sobre la fisiopatología de éste síndrome, el enfoque en la unidad de cuidados intensivos consiste, en gran parte, en un tratamiento de soporte vital y en evitar los efectos secundarios de las terapéuticas invasivas. Si bien, durante los últimos 20 años, se generaron grandes avances en ventilación mecánica con un impacto importante sobre la mortalidad, ésta continúa siendo elevada. Una característica de los pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo, sobre todo los más severos, es la presencia de hipoxemia refractaria debido a la existencia de shunt, pudiendo requerir tratamientos adicionales a la ventilación mecánica, entre ellos la ventilación mecánica en decúbito prono. Este método, recomendado para mejorar la oxigenación por primera vez en 1974, puede ser implementado fácilmente en cualquier unidad de cuidados intensivos con personal entrenado. El decúbito prono tiene un sustento bibliográfico sumamente robusto. Varios ensayos clínicos randomizados han demostrado el efecto del decúbito prono sobre la oxigenación en pacientes con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo medida a través de la relación PaO2/FiO2 e incluso su impacto en el aumento de la sobrevida de estos pacientes. Los integrantes del Comité de Kinesiología Intensivista de la Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva realizaron una revisión narrativa con el objetivo de exponer la evidencia disponible en relación a la implementación del decúbito prono, los cambios producidos en el sistema respiratorio por la aplicación de la maniobra y su impacto sobre la mortalidad. Por último, se sugerirán lineamientos para la toma de decisiones.

ABSTRACT Acute respiratory distress syndrome occupies a great deal of attention in intensive care units. Despite ample knowledge of the physiopathology of this syndrome, the focus in intensive care units consists mostly of life-supporting treatment and avoidance of the side effects of invasive treatments. Although great advances in mechanical ventilation have occurred in the past 20 years, with a significant impact on mortality, the incidence continues to be high. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, especially the most severe cases, often present with refractory hypoxemia due to shunt, which can require additional treatments beyond mechanical ventilation, among which is mechanical ventilation in the prone position. This method, first recommended to improve oxygenation in 1974, can be easily implemented in any intensive care unit with trained personnel. Prone position has extremely robust bibliographic support. Various randomized clinical studies have demonstrated the effect of prone decubitus on the oxygenation of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome measured in terms of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, including its effects on increasing patient survival. The members of the Respiratory Therapists Committee of the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva performed a narrative review with the objective of discovering the available evidence related to the implementation of prone position, changes produced in the respiratory system due to the application of this maneuver, and its impact on mortality. Finally, guidelines are suggested for decision-making.