The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical variables in new born preterm infants (NBPT) in the prone position (PP) associated with CPAP. A cross sectional study in NBPT with CPAP at the intensive care unit was done. Variables: heart rate (HR), respiratory rates (RR), SpO2, respiratory distress quantify by Silverman and Andersen (BSA) bulletin (which the higher level means worst respiratory distress) were assessed. The protocol was conducted in five phases. In phase I, HR, RR, SpO2, and BSA were evaluated in supine position. In phases II, III, IV and V the same variables were evaluated as phase I, at 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, respectively, after phase I. Following the phase I, the RNPT was positioned at the PP. We performed repeated analysis of variance to compare all the variables studied in five phases, and used the Bonferroni test for post hoc analysis. Statistical significance was considered when p<0.05. We evaluated 13 preterm infants, mean gestational age of 33±1.5 weeks, 7 males. No significant changes at HR, RR and SpO2 were observed. A significant reduction in BSA at phases III and IV, compared to I, was observed (phase I: 4.6±1.6 vs. phase III: 2.4±0.5, p=0.02; phase I: 4.6±1,6 vs. phase IV: 2.4±0.5, p=0.002). We concluded that PP reduced respiratory distress in preterm infants associated at CPAP when they stay for at least 15 min, with no change in HR, RR and SpO2.
infant, premature; continuous positive airway pressure; prone position
