Predicting difficult intubation in apparently normal subjects

Abstract

One of the major problems faced by health care professionals is the prediction of airway difficulties in apparently healthy subjects. Failed endotracheal intubation is a well-known reason for increased morbidity of patients including brain damage or even death. This study is focused on parameters used for prior determination of airway for predicting difficult intubation in healthy Indian populations. This study was done on 500 healthy individuals. Neck parameters were measured including inter-incisal distance, neck circumference, thyro-mental distance and sterno-mental distance. Mallampati classification and mandibular protrusion test were also carried out. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (V.25). MC class 3 and 4 percentages were higher in males in comparison to females. Mandibular protrusion test grade A and B percentage was higher in females while class C percentage was higher in males. The comparison of baseline values of the neck parameters (inter-incisal distance, neck circumference, thyro-mental distance and sterno-mental distance) was statistically significant (<0.05) in both genders. The purpose of the study is to find out the baseline values of parameters involved in assessing methods for difficult intubation in healthy Indian population.