Effectiveness of Prone Positioning on Oxygenation in Ventilated Neonates – A Randomised Control Trial

Background : Proper positioning and the integration of chest physiotherapy (CPT) have emerged as beneficial supportive strategies in respiratory management of ventilated newborns. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of CPT and prone positioning on short term oxygen requirement in ventilated newborns. Methods : Eighty ventilated neonates fitting in inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the Experimental group (CPT and Prone Positioning) and the Control group (CPT). Seventy-four completed the study protocol (i.e.37 in each group). Outcomes were Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Partial Pressure of Arterial Oxygen (PaO2), and Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2). Outcomes were recorded twice daily for 3 days. Result : Oxygenation was found to be significantly higher in the subjects who received prone positioning along with CPT when compared with subjects who were treated with CPT alone. Conclusion : CPT is useful adjunct therapy to prone positioning for mechanically ventilated newborns.