Prone positioning is associated with increased insulin requirements in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Stress hyperglycaemia is common in critical illness. We have previously observed that increasing severity of respiratory failure in patients with severe COVID-19 is associated with increased insulin demand. Given previously reported direct effects of hypoxia on insulin action, we reasoned that rapid improvements in oxygenation following prone positioning may improve insulin sensitivity and increase risk of hypoglycaemia. A retrospective multi-centre service evaluation comparing blood glucose and insulin administration in patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis receiving prone mechanical ventilation, comparing the 16 h pre-prone and 16 h post-prone time periods. 155 patients were included in this analysis. Oxygenation improved significantly following prone positioning (change in SpO₂/

SUBMITTER: Griffiths H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11557589 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature