Impact of Positioning on Neonate with Respiratory Distress: Prone Vs. Supine Position

Background: The procedure of neonatal positioning is a crucial factor in both oxygenation of tissues and ventilation, while the best method of positioning the neonate with respiratory distress is not agreed upon. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of the supine and prone position on respiratory rate, pulse rate and oxygen saturation on a neonate with respiratory distress. Methods: A comparative study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Mansoura University Children’s Hospital (MUCHs), Mansoura city, Egypt. Sample size: 60 neonates with respiratory distress were recruited, and they were kept in the supine position for two hours after measuring all necessary resuscitation. Respiratory rate, pulse rate and oxygen saturation were also measured for all neonates. Then neonates were kept in the prone position for a further two hours and the above measurements were calculated and compared with each other. Results: The respiratory rate in the prone position was significantly low 53. 6± 6.4, compared to the rate in the supine position 59. 6± 11.7 (p- value = 0.000). The pulse rate in the prone position was found to be significantly lower in comparison with the pulse rate in the supine position (118.8 ± 21.1, vs 146.9 ± 28.2. p value=0. 000). There was a statistically significant improvement in oxygen saturation in the prone position over the supine position (97.7 ± 2. 2 vs.59. 8 ± 3.7 , p-value = 0.00). Conclusion: Prone position is suggested to be used in order to improve oxygenation and reduce the signs of respiratory distress among neonates.