Background
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has necessitated increased ICU admissions and the extensive use of prone positioning for ARDS management, prompting an examination of its broader impacts, especially on visual acuity. This study delves into the associations between prone positioning duration, gender, age, and visual outcomes in ARDS patients during the COVID-19 crisis.
Methods
An observational study was conducted on ARDS patients at Santo Stefano Hospital, focusing on those who underwent prone positioning. The study excluded individuals with pre-existing visual conditions unrelated to ICU treatment. A retrospective analysis of patient records provided data on demographics, ARDS management details, prone positioning frequency, visual acuity changes assessed through the Catquest-9SF questionnaire.
Results
40 participants were eligible and completed the Catquest-9SF questionnaire. Analysis revealed that longer pronation duration correlated significantly with visual impairments, with increased risks associated with advancing age and the number of pronation cycles. These findings, supported by Rasch analysis and logistic regression, highlighted the importance of considering age, gender, and pronation cycles in predicting visual outcomes.
Discussion
The study underscores the complex interplay of physiological, biological, and treatment factors affecting visual outcomes in ARDS patients. It introduces the concept of Post-Pronation Visual Reduction (PPVR), advocating for the integration of ocular health assessments into ICU care protocols and the development of strategies to minimize visual impairment risks.
Clinical trial: not applicable