Study Comparing Upright and Prone Positioning in Adults With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome to Assess Safety and Feasibility

What this Trial Is About

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ARDS is a serious lung condition caused by widespread lung damage in patients with certain risk factors. Researchers are comparing two positioning methods for patients with moderate to severe ARDS the established prone position lying face down and a newer verticalization technique that raises patients to a 55 angle in bed. The study aims to assess if verticalization is safe, feasible, and has similar effects on oxygen levels as the prone position. This is a crossover study where each patient experiences both positioning techniques in random order. The verticalization is done in seven progressive steps, starting from lying flat to 55 upright, then back down. Each prone position period lasts 12 to 20 hours and must be started 4 to 8 hours after the previous positioning. Patients are assigned to one of four sequences combining prone and verticalization treatments to avoid carry-over effects. Participants will undergo arterial blood gas tests before, immediately after, and one hour following each positioning to measure oxygenation. Chest ultrasounds and monitoring for any adverse events will also be performed. The main outcome is the percentage of patients who can safely reach the 55 vertical position without serious side effects. The study will last about one month, with continuous safety monitoring and detailed data collection during the treatment periods.

Early Verticalization of the Patient With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Assessment of Feasibility and Safety.