Prevalence and prediction of difficult intubation in Chinese women.
We conducted a prospective, blind observational study to investigate the prevalence and prediction of difficult intubation in Chinese women. Two groups of Chinese women were studied (151 pregnant and 260 non-pregnant). The prevalence of difficult intubation was 1.99% in the pregnant and 1.54% in the non-pregnant group. The difference was not statistically significant. Predictive variables for difficult intubation, including modified Mallampati class, thyromental distance and atlanto-occipital extension, had high sensitivity but low positive predictive value when used alone. A shorter thyromental distance had to be used as the criterion for prediction in Chinese women. Combination of predictive variables could improve the positive predictive value.
Wong
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SH
Department of Anaesthesia, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Hung
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CT
D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D044466:Asian People; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity