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Awake Prone Positioning in Moderate ARDS: A Case Report

Kalaruban K, Exadaktylos A, Ribordy V, Ziaka M

Clinics and practice, 2026

Abstract

Background: Legionella pneumophila is a rare but severe cause of community-acquired pneumonia and can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Awake prone positioning (APP) has been recognized as an effective adjunct for non-intubated patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure, primarily studied in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other ARDS etiologies. Its application in Legionella-associated ARDS remains poorly documented. Therefore, in this work, we present a case of Legionella-associated ARDS successfully managed with APP, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), levofloxacin, and corticosteroids.

Case presentation: A 62-year-old male with multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a history of coronary artery bypass surgery, presented with a 3-day history of productive cough, exertional dyspnea, and general malaise. Oxygen saturation on admission was 90%, with fever and tachycardia. Inflammatory markers were markedly elevated. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Despite a negative urinary Legionella antigen test, sputum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed Legionella pneumophila on day 2. A Horowitz index of 147 mmHg on day 2 established moderate ARDS. The patient was treated with HFNC oxygen therapy, NIV, and APP for up to 12 h daily. Antibiotic therapy was initiated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and clarithromycin, subsequently streamlined to…

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