A case of meralgia paresthetica caused by prone positioning in a COVID-19 patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

COVID-19 critically ill patients usually require prone positioning for the treatment of respiratory failure caused by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Prone position provides a better ventilation-perfusion compatibility, resulting in a significant improvement in oxygenation and a decrease in mortality, but prolonged prone positioning may cause Meralgia Paresthetica (MP), one of the most common mononeuropathies of the lower limb. The early diagnosis of MP is crucial to avoid a permanent damage with pain and disability, and to start immediately the correct treatment. In this article, we report a rare case of MP in a critically ill COVID-19 patient with ARDS, with the main aim to create awareness for MP among the medical team working.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• meralgia paresthetica
• prone position
• mononeuropathy
• lateral femoral cutaneous nerve