Nerve compression injuries after prolonged prone position ventilation in SARS-CoV-2 patient: a case series.

ABSTRACT Background Prone positioning improves oxygenation in adult respiratory distress syndrome. This procedure has been widely used during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, this procedure can also be responsible for nerve damage and plexopathy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a series of 7 infectious COVID-19 patients who underwent prone positioning ventilation at the San Raffaele Hospital of Milan (Italy), during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results Clinical and neurophysiological data of 7 patients suffering from nerve compression injuries have been reported. Conclusions Healthcare workers should take into consideration the risk factors for prone positioning-related plexopathy and nerve damage, especially in COVID-19 patients, to prevent this type of complication.