Abstract
Failed obstetric intubation is a major contributory factor in anaesthesia related morbidity and mortality. Upper lip bite test (ULBT) is a relatively new test for prediction of difficult intubation, introduced in the year 2003. Here we have compared ULBT with Modified Mallampati classification (MMC) for prediction of difficult intubation in obstetric patients scheduled for caesarean section. Preoperative airway assessment for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation was done using the MMC and ULBT in hundred consecutive parturients undergoing elective as well as emergency Cesarean section under general anesthesia. Class III ULBT and a MMC of III or IV were considered to be predictive of difficult intubation (Cormack & Lehane class III or IV). Fourteen patients in the study had difficult intubation (14%). The sensitivity (92 Vs 85.7%), specificity (86 Vs 69.7%), positive predictive value (52.3 Vs 31.5%), negative predictive value (98.6 Vs 96.7%), and accuracy (87 Vs 72%) were as observed for ULBT and MMC respectively. Thus ULBT was found to be superior in every aspect studied.
Paper version not known (
Free)
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call