Prone position for ventilation in patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome

We report 3 cases of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome. The patients were very difficult to oxygenate, even with the most advanced conventional mechanical ventilation techniques. In all cases oxygenation improved dramatically when the patient was turned to the prone position. Reports of the use of the prone position for ventilation are scanty, and this is the first time it has been reported in this country. The proposed mechanisms for its effectiveness are reviewed.