Predictors of intubation in children.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the relation of mentohyoid, thyromental and sternomental distances to height, weight and age of children with normal airway.


METHODS
We carried out a prospective, double blind pilot study in 400 children posted for elective surgery to measure mentohyoid, thyromental and sternomental distances pre-operatively followed by intra-op evaluation of intubation using Cormack and Lehane grading.


RESULTS
On assessing the contribution of age, height and weight to predict mentohyoid, thyromental and sternomental distances in children, the best predictor was found to be height (p=0.001)followed by age (p=0.04)of the patient.


CONCLUSIONS
We have derived simple formulae to predict mentohyoid, thyromental and sternomental distances relevant to airway based on height and age of children.
Nikhar
Sapna A
SA
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
Grover
Vinod K
VK
Mathew
Preethy Joseph
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007817:Laryngeal Cartilages; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012737:Sex Factors
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