MALMÖ, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine (2013;368:2159-2168) concluded that prone (chest down) positioning, used as an early intervention for patients with severe ARDS (SARDS), significantly decreased mortality by 50% after 28 days and 42% after 90 days (p<0.001). A significant reduction in ventilator-free days was also observed over similar periods for patients in the prone group.
The June 2013 publication described results of a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 466 patients. Mortality was significantly lower in the group of ventilated SARDS patients who were placed in the prone position for at least 16 hours per day, compared to patients left in the supine (chest up) position. The incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the groups, except for the incidence of cardiac arrests, which was higher in the supine group.
Angel Delgado, PhD, Director of Clinical Development & Clinical Sciences for ArjoHuntleigh, said: “Previous trials involving ARDS patients and prone positioning during mechanical ventilation have demonstrated a beneficial effect and a trend toward improved mortality but none have reached statistical significance. It is very encouraging to see in this study that early application of prone positioning on SARDS patients has significant mortality benefits”.
ArjoHuntleigh, a Getinge Group company, produces products that support prone therapy, such as RotoProne Therapy System, TriaDyne Proventa Therapy System and the Nimbus Professional System. Such products are designed to help reduce the physical burden of repositioning patients according to prone positioning protocols and to help prevent complications such as pressure ulcers. As with all medical equipment, users should refer to the Indications for Use and such equipment should only be prescribed by suitably qualified medical staff.
About ArjoHuntleigh
ArjoHuntleigh, a member of the Getinge Group, is a leading global provider of equipment and systems that contribute to quality enhancement and cost efficiency within healthcare and life sciences. Equipment, service and technologies are supplied under the brands ArjoHuntleigh for patient handling and hygiene, disinfection, DVT prevention, medical beds, therapeutic surfaces and diagnostics, GETINGE for infection control and prevention within healthcare and life science and MAQUET for surgical work places, cardiopulmonary and critical care. ArjoHuntleigh offers a broad range of integrated solutions for the care of people with reduced mobility and related conditions, with the aim to enhance the quality of care in elderly care facilities, hospitals and other healthcare environments. More information about ArjoHuntleigh can be found at www.arjohuntleigh.com.