[Effect of lateral position ventilation combined with vibration sputum drainage on patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the curative effect of lateral position ventilation combined with vibration sputum drainage on the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. The patients with ARDS undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Linyi Central Hospital from January 2013 to June 2017 were enrolled, and they were divided into simple ventilation group and combined treatment group according to random number table. The patients in both groups received etiological treatment, protective ventilation strategy, sensitive antibiotics for anti-infection, and calefacient and humidifying treatment. The patients in the simple ventilation group received bilateral discontinuous alternative lateral position ventilation [pressure controlled ventilation (PCV), tidal volume (VT) ≤ 6 mL/kg, the inhaled oxygen concentration (FiO) and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was adjusted to maintain the airway plateau pressure (Pplat) ≤ 30 cmHO (1 cmHO = 0.098 kPa)], and those in the combined treatment group received lateral position ventilation combined with vibration sputum drainage, twice a day, 15 minutes each time. The parameters of respiratory function and inflammation as well as excretion of sputum before and after treatment were compared between the two groups, and the complication and prognosis were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients with ARDS were included, 4 patients were excluded because of severe pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage of the digestive tract, or elevated intracranial pressure, so 196 patients were finally enrolled in the analysis. There were 98 patients in the simple ventilation group and the combined treatment group, respectively. There were no significant differences in parameters of respiratory function and inflammation as well as excretion of sputum before treatment between the two groups. After treatment, the above parameters in both groups were improved, and the effect of combined treatment was more significant. Compared with the simple ventilation group, white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) at 24 hours of treatment in the combined treatment group were significantly decreased [WBC (×10/L): 9.1±1.6 vs. 11.8±3.6, PCT (μg/L): 14.5±2.4 vs. 22.7±3.2, CRP (mg/L): 32.2±6.3 vs. 67.2±7.2, all P < 0.01], the quantity of sputum excretion was significantly increased (mL: 49.3±12.5 vs. 36.8±11.8, P < 0.01); 72 hours after treatment, the oxygenation index (PaO/FiO) in the combined treatment group was significantly increased [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 278±28 vs. 238±39, P < 0.01], and PEEP, FiO, airway resistance (Raw) were significantly lowered [PEEP (cmHO): 5±2 vs. 7±3, FiO: 0.40±0.11 vs. 0.49±0.12, Raw (cmHO): 12.8±0.7 vs. 16.2±0.8, all P < 0.01]. There was no significant difference in static lung compliance (Cst) or Pplat between the two groups. Compared with the simple ventilation group, the duration of MV (days: 5.5±3.0 vs. 8.6±2.1), the length of ICU stay (days: 7.5±5.4 vs. 11.3±4.6) and the extraction time of artificial airway (days: 6.6±2.8 vs. 9.4±3.3) in the combined treatment group were significantly shortened (all P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate [4.1% (4/98) vs. 3.1% (3/98)], the rate of tracheotomy [2.0% (2/98) vs. 3.1% (3/98)] or the incidence of I-II skin pressure sore [1.0% (1/98) vs. 2.0% (2/98)] between simple ventilation group and the combined treatment group (all P > 0.05). No artificial airway disappearance, pneumothorax, grade III or IV pressure sore was found in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with lateral position ventilation alone, the treatment of combined with vibration sputum drainage is more effective for improving the respiratory function of patients with ARDS, reducing infection action, shortening the duration of MV and the length of ICU stay, and improve the recovery, promote the rehabitation of patients.