Effects of prone position ventilation in ARDS. An evidence-based review of the literature.

In summary, the many studies done on PPV show that the technique improves oxygenation most of the time. The mechanisms behind this effect are probably numerous and have yet to be elucidated completely. In addition, PPV is a safe procedure that rarely worsens a patient's respiratory status or causes other complications and is thus a welcome additional therapeutic option when treating patients with ARDS. Despite the recent large, randomized, controlled trial showing no improvement in mortality rate or organ dysfunction overall, there is evidence suggesting that PPV may be of most benefit in more severely ill patients. Further studies will be useful.