Prone Positioning in ARDS.

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical entity characterized by hypoxemic respiratory failure in the setting of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prone positioning is a beneficial strategy in patients with severe ARDS because it improves alveolar recruitment, ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratio, and decreases lung strain. The outcome is improved oxygenation, decreased severity of lung injury, and, subsequently, mortality benefit. In this article, we discuss the physiology of prone positioning on chest mechanics and V/Q ratio, the placement and maintenance of patients in the prone position with use of a prone bed and the current literature regarding benefits of prone positioning in patients with ARDS.