Prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in a homogenous population: The role of height

Abstract

Background: Airway problem is a leading cause of anaesthesia related mortality. This prospective study was conducted to determine the role of the patient’s height on difficult laryngoscopy.

Patients and Methods: Two hundred and seventy eight consecutive patients of Akwa Ibom State origin undergoing general anaesthesia were studied. Demographic characteristics, thyromental distance (TMD) and ratio of height to thyromental height (RHTMD) were obtained. Laryngoscopic views were graded according to the Cormack and Lehane (CL) classification. The patients were divided into two groups namely: Difficult Visualisation of the Larynx (DVL) and Easy Visualisation of the Larynx (EVL), multiple logistic regression was done to determine independent predictors of DVL.

Results: Difficult laryngoscopy occurred in 28 (10.1%) patients. The mean height of patients in DVL and EVL groups were 163.9± 6.2 and 161.5± 7.2 respectively, p= 0.081. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that height was not a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy.

Conclusion: The patient’s height has no role in the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.

Keywords: Prediction, Difficult laryngoscopy, Homogenous population, Height