A prospective, randomized trial of continuous lateral rotation ("kinetic therapy") in patients with cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Continuous lateral rotation ["Kinetic therapy" (KT)] has been shown to reduce complications and to shorten hospital stay in trauma patients. Data in non-surgical patients is inconclusive. Retrospective data suggest a beneficial effect of KT in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) requiring ventilator therapy. KT, however, has not been tested prospectively in those patients.

METHODS: A prospective, randomized, open-label trial was performed to compare KT using oscillating beds (TryaDyne Proventa, KCI) with standard care (SC). Patients with cardiogenic shock requiring ventilator therapy for more than 24 h were included. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of pressure ulcers during the hospital stay and 1-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS: Forty-five patients were randomized to KT, and 44 to SC. All patients required at least one inotropic agent and one vasopressor for circulatory assistance. The groups were comparable in the etiology of heart disease, in the use of revascularization procedures, the use of balloon counterpulsation, and APACHE-II score (33 ± 5 vs. 33 ± 4) and SOFA score (11 ± 1 vs. 11 ± 1) at inclusion; however, more patients in SC were subject to resuscitation before inclusion. Hospital-acquired pneumonia occurred in 10 patients in KT and 28 patients in SC (p < 0.001); pressure ulcers were seen in 10 versus 2 patients (p < 0.001). Hospital mortality tended to be lower in KT, and 1-year all-cause mortality was 41 % in KT and 66 % in SC (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION: The use of KT reduces rates of pneumonia and pressure ulcers as compared to SC. Moreover, in this study, patients with KT had a better outcome. The study suggests that KT should be used in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring ventilator therapy for a prolonged time.