Background and Objective: The results of previous studies show the neonate position is effective in improving oxygenation . Therefore, this study aimed to compare the prone and supine positions on oxygen saturation in preterm infants who were weaned from mechanical ventilation.

Materials and Methods: This clinical trial carried out on 40 preterm infants who were weaned from mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Afzalipour hospital of kerman. Infants were placed for 3 hours in each state. Oxygen saturation were recorded every 15 minutes in the two-part list. Data were analyzed by using repeated measurements and paired t -test

Results: The findings showed that the average oxygen saturation in the prone position was significantly (96.15±1.96) higher than the average oxygen saturation in the supine position (95.49±1.96) (p<0.001(.

Conclusion: According to the findings and to be higher average oxygen saturation in the prone position, nurses can use the appropriate position in preterm infants weaned from mechanical ventilation to improve their oxygenation.

Key words: Preterm neonate, Weaning from mechanical ventilation, Oxygen saturation, Neonatal intensive care unit

Funding: This research was funded by Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

How to cite this article: Rayyani M, Askari F, Rezaeian M, Sheikh Fathollahi M,Abdolkarimi M, Niknafs P, Bahman-Bijari B. Comparison of Supine and Prone Positions on Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Neonates after Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in NICU of Afzalipour Hospital of Kerman in 2014. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2014 13(9): 896-85. [Farsi]