Prone position in non-intubated patient with COVID-19 as a maneuver to avoid intubation

The COVID-19 (from Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a disease that has generated a pandemic that has affected the world, Mexico included. The spectrum of the disease ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The objective of the case is to demonstrate the usefulness of the prone position in non-intubated patients.

We present the case of a woman without comorbidities with COVID-19 and moderate ARDS, in whom intubation was avoided after improvement with the prone position, as determined by arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and by the relationship of arterial oxygen pressure and the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO₂/FiO₂).

There is scarce evidence of this therapeutic maneuver in awake patients. However, it can help to improve oxygenation and to avoid intubation in these patients.