Investigation of oxygenation in premature infants under mechanical ventilation in supine position compare to side lying

Abstract Introduction: Changing position is an important aspect within nursing care. Prone positioning amongst premature infants could improve their oxygenation compared to supine position. Side lying position leads to developed support between premature infants, however there is few studies about effects of this position on premature infants 'oxygenation. Objective: This study was conducted to hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SPO2) in the side lying position compare to supine position in infants under mechanical ventilation. Methods: In a clinical trial 32 preterm infants hospitalized under mechanical ventilation in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on university hospitals of Isfahan city. they were processing in randomized method, 120 minutes in supine position and then turn to side lying position for another 120 minutes .Their SPO2 were monitored by pulse ox meter and the results recorded every one minute. Data analysis was done by ANOVA, one way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests. Results: Means of SPO2 in time of 0 were 95.6±2.4 and 95.5±2.4, and in time 0f 120 were 95±5.5 and 94.8±2.6 in supine versus lateral position. There were no significant differences between mean of SPO2 during 120 minute in each position .The differences of mean of SPO2 between the supine and lateral position were not significant except at the time of 45 and 105 minute. Conclusion: Side lying position was well tolerated by preterm infants under mechanical ventilation. Therefore, since Side lying position promote midline motor skills development, it is suggested that NICUs’ nurses think about this position during changing newborn’ position.