Evaluación del niño con estridor / Evaluation of the child with stridor

El estridor en niños es un síntoma que puede indicar una obstrucción en la vía aérea, siendo esencial comprender sus características y evolución. Este artículo destaca la importancia de la anamnesis detallada, la evaluación clínica y los estudios instrumentales para diagnosticar y tratar eficazmente las causas subyacentes del estridor. Se discuten las características del estridor, los signos de gravedad y los pasos para una evaluación adecuada, incluyendo la nasofaringolaringoscopía flexible y la laringotraqueobroncoscopía. Se concluye que una evaluación integral es fundamental para abordar el estridor en niños de manera óptima.

Stridor in children is a symptom that may indicate an obstruction in the airway, and it is essential to understand its characteristics and evolution. This article highlights the importance of a detailed history, clinical evaluation, and instrumental studies in effectively diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of stridor. The characteristics of stridor, signs of severity, and steps for proper evaluation, including flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and laryngotracheobronchoscopy, are discussed. It concludes that a comprehensive evaluation is essential to address stridor in children optimally.

Manejo de la vía aérea ante un caso de paro respiratorio en un escenario clínico simulado. Experiencia en una residencia de pediatría / Airway management during a respiratory arrest in a clinical simulation scenario. Experience at a pediatric residency program

Introducción. La insuficiencia respiratoria es la causa más común de paro cardíaco en pediatría; su reconocimiento y el manejo adecuado son cruciales. La simulación se utiliza para mejorar las habilidades médicas. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la proporción de residentes de pediatría que reconocieron un paro respiratorio (PR) pediátrico en un centro de simulación. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional con 77 médicos residentes. Se utilizó un caso simulado de un paciente con dificultad respiratoria que progresa a PR. Resultados. De los 77 participantes, 48 reconocieron el paro respiratorio (62,3 %). El tiempo medio para reconocer el PR fue de 34,43 segundos. Conclusión. El 62,3 % de los participantes logró reconocer el paro respiratorio. Entre aquellos que lo identificaron, el tiempo promedio fue de 34,43 segundos. Se observaron graves deficiencias en algunas de las intervenciones esperadas.

Introduction. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in pediatrics. Recognizing and managing it adequately is critical. Simulation is used to improve medical skills. The objective of this study was to establish the proportion of pediatric residents who recognized a respiratory arrest in a child at a simulation center. Methods. This was an observational study in 77 residents. A simulation of a patient with respiratory distress that progressed to respiratory arrest was used. Results. Among the 77 participants, 48 recognized respiratory arrest (62.3%). The mean time to recognize respiratory arrest was 34.43 seconds. Conclusion. Respiratory arrest was recognized by 62.3% of participants. Among those who did so, the average time was 34.43 seconds. Severe failures were noted in some of the expected interventions.

An innovative airway management of an anticipated difficult airway in a pediatric patient with cervical cystic hygroma: A case report

@#Airway management of a pediatric patient with cervical cystic hygroma can be challenging as the large neck mass may extend in the oral cavity, result in tracheal deviation, and cause possible upper airway obstruction. This is a case of a 4-year-old female admitted due to sudden enlargement of neck mass associated with dysphagia and sialorrhea. Patient was intubated under sedation while maintaining spontaneous ventilation with a pediatric flexible fiberoptic scope through a nasopharyngeal airway serving as a passage guide for ease of scoping and a protective device against trauma.

Anesthetic management of a patient with Klippel-Feil Syndrome for Laparoscopic Pelvic Surgery: A case report

@#Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) continues to pose significant challenges for anesthesiologists. Beyond the expected complexities of managing difficult airways in these patients, they often present with systemic anomalies that can elevate the risk of morbidity during surgeries conducted under anesthesia. Furthermore, laparoscopic procedures bring about additional physiologic changes that must be taken into consideration when planning the anesthetic care for these individuals. This report details the anesthetic management of a 29-year-old female diagnosed with Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) and concomitant Müllerian duct aplasia-Renal agenesis-Cervicothoracic Somite dysplasia (MURCS) as well as Chiari Type 1 Malformation, who underwent a successful pelvic laparoscopic surgery. The airway was secured through awake fiberoptic-guided intubation while general anesthesia was maintained with a combination of sevoflurane inhalation and remifentanil infusion. Intraoperatively, the team prioritized neuroprotection, lung-protective ventilation strategies, and renal preservation measures. The anesthetic management of patients with KFS necessitates a comprehensive assessment of their anomalies. Incorporating these considerations into the anesthetic management will help mitigate the procedure's adverse effects and lead to favorable patient outcomes.

Intubación orotraqueal en el trauma por quemaduras en Uruguay: rol de la intubación profiláctica / Orotracheal intubation in burn trauma in Uruguay: the role of prophylactic intubation / Intubação orotraqueal no trauma por queimaduras no Uruguai: papel da intubação profilática

Introducción: La Intubación orotraqueal (IOT) profiláctica en pacientes con sospecha de Injuria Inhalatoria (II) es una práctica clínica extendida en nuestro país. La misma puede estar asociada a complicaciones y a un aumento de los costos asistenciales. Objetivo: caracterizar a la población de pacientes que ingresaron con IOT al Centro Nacional de Quemados, determinar la incidencia de Intubación orotraqueal no necesaria (IOTNN) así como las complicaciones vinculadas a la misma. Método: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, analítico. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con quemadura térmica ingresados al CENAQUE con vía aérea artificial entre enero de 2015 y julio 2023. Se determinaron características demográficas, circunstancias de la injuria, lugar y técnico que realizo la IOT, porcentaje de superficie corporal total quemada (SCTQ), scores de severidad, días de ARM, estado al alta y diagnóstico de II por fibrobroncoscopía. Se analizaron las complicaciones asociadas a la IOT y ARM. Dichas variables fueron contrastadas entre el grupo extubado exitosamente en las primeras 48 horas (IOTNN) y aquellos extubados luego de las 48 horas (IOTP). Resultados: Se incluyeron 562 pacientes. La incidencia de IOTNN fue 41,7% e II 46,7%. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre IOTNN y IOTP para edad [34 (24-48) versus 45 (30-62); p <0,001, para SCTQ [4% (1-11) versus 20% (6-36); p <0,001], ABSI [4 (3-5) versus 7 (5-9) p<0,001], Rev. Baux [48 (33-62) versus 77 (60-99), p <0,001], incidencia de II (32% versus 56,6%, p <0,001). La aspiración de VA (30% versus 20,2% p 0,018), extubación durante el traslado (2% versus 0% p 0,043) e incidencia de NA (Neumonía aspirativa) y NAVP (neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica precoz) (56,3% versus 15% p <0,001) fueron mayores en el grupo IOTP. Conclusiones: La IOTNN en los pacientes con quemaduras es frecuente en nuestro medio y se asocia a complicaciones. La misma es realizada por médicos sin formación en el manejo de la vía aérea.

Introduction: Prophylactic Orotracheal Intubation (OTI) in patients with suspected Inhalation Injury (II) is a widespread clinical practice in our country. It can be associated with complications and increased healthcare costs. Objective: To characterize the population of patients admitted with OTI to the National Burn Center, determine the incidence of unnecessary Orotracheal Intubation (UOTI), and the associated complications. Method: Retrospective, observational, analytical study. All patients with thermal burns admitted to the National Burn Center (CENAQUE) with an artificial airway between January 2015 and July 2023 were included. Demographic characteristics, injury circumstances, location, and technician performing the OTI, percentage of total body surface area burned (TBSA), severity scores, days on mechanical ventilation, discharge status, and diagnosis of II by fibrobronchoscopy were determined. Complications associated with OTI and mechanical ventilation were analyzed. These variables were compared between the group extubated successfully within the first 48 hours (UOTI) and those extubated after 48 hours (necessary OTI, NOTI). Results: 562 patients were included. The incidence of UOTI was 41,7% and II 46,7%. Significant differences were observed between UOTI and NOTI in age [34 (24-48) versus 45 (30-62); p <0.001], TBSA [4% (1-11) versus 20% (6-36); p <0,001], ABSI [4 (3-5) versus 7 (5-9) p<0,001], Baux score [48 (33-62) versus 77 (60-99), p <0,001], incidence of II (32% versus 56.6%, p <0,001). Aspiration of the airway (30% versus 20,2% p 0,018), extubation during transport (2% versus 0% p 0,043), and incidence of aspiration pneumonia (AP) and early ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (56,3% versus 15% p <0,001) were higher in the NOTI group. Conclusions: UOTI in burn patients is frequent in our setting and is associated with complications. It is performed by physicians without training in airway management.

Introdução: A intubação orotraqueal (IOT) profilática em pacientes com suspeita de lesão por inalação (LI) é uma prática clínica difundida em nosso país. Esta prática pode estar associada a complicações e ao aumento dos custos assistenciais. Objetivo: Caracterizar a população de pacientes que ingressaram com IOT no Centro Nacional de Queimados, determinar a incidência de intubação orotraqueal desnecessária (IOTD) e as complicações associadas. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, analítico. Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com queimadura térmica admitidos no CENAQUE com via aérea artificial entre janeiro de 2015 e julho de 2023. Foram determinadas características demográficas, circunstâncias da lesão, local e técnico que realizou a IOT, porcentagem da superfície corporal total queimada (SCTQ), escores de gravidade, dias de ventilação mecânica, estado na alta e diagnóstico de LI por fibrobroncoscopia. Complicações associadas à IOT e à ventilação mecânica foram analisadas. Essas variáveis foram comparadas entre o grupo extubado com sucesso nas primeiras 48 horas (IOTD) e aqueles extubados após 48 horas (IOTP). Resultados: Foram incluídos 562 pacientes. A incidência de IOTD foi de 41,7% e LI de 46,7%. Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre IOTD e IOTP em relação à idade [34 (24-48) versus 45 (30-62); p <0,001], SCTQ [4% (1-11) versus 20% (6-36); p <0,001], ABSI [4 (3-5) versus 7 (5-9) p<0,001], índice de Baux [48 (33-62) versus 77 (60-99), p <0,001], incidência de LI (32% versus 56,6%, p <0,001). A aspiração de via aérea (30% versus 20,2% p 0,018), extubação durante o transporte (2% versus 0% p 0,043) e incidência de pneumonia aspirativa (PA) e pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica precoce (NAVM) (56,3% versus 15% p <0,001) foram maiores no grupo IOTP. Conclusões: A IOTD em pacientes com queimaduras é frequente em nosso meio e está associada a complicações. A mesma é realizada por médicos sem formação no manejo da via aérea.

Manejo de vía aérea difícil en paciente con masa gigante en cuello: reporte de caso / Difficult airway management in a patient with a giant neck mass: Case report

La Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología (ASA) define vía aérea difícil, como la situación clínica en la que un médico capacitado en el cuidado anestésico experimenta una dificultad anticipada o no, incluyendo uno o más de los siguientes: ventilación con máscara facial, laringoscopia, ventilación mediante una vía aérea supraglótica, intubación traqueal, extubación o vía aérea invasiva. El manejo de vía aérea difícil sigue siendo un reto incluso para expertos en su manejo y más aún si esta se realiza en lugares poco controlados, con escaso equipamiento y con personal sin entrenamiento adecuado. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer una opción segura en el abordaje del paciente que presenta vía aérea difícil. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino, 73 años, llevado a emergencia por dificultad respiratoria secundario a una obstrucción parcial de la vía aérea debido a una masa gigante en cuello, donde se realiza intubación traqueal vigil videoasistida con sedación (ketamina y dexmedetomidina). El paciente con gran parte de su vía aérea invadida por la masa, se preoxigena a través de un dispositivo bolsa- mascarilla previo a intubación orotraqueal, manteniendo la ventilación espontánea con asociado a sedación monitorizada; evitando así un evento fatídico como ser el colapso de la vía aérea. En conclusión, la intubación traqueal vigil videoasistida bajo sedación con ketamina y dexmedetomidina es una opción segura en abordaje de vía aérea difícil...(AU)

Uso perioperatorio de la ecografía de la vía aérea en un paciente con infección profunda del cuello. Reporte de caso / Perioperative use of airway ultrasound in a patient with a deep neck infection. Case Report

Introducción: las infecciones profundas del cuello son patologías complejas con gran potencial de complicaciones graves, que, debido a su ubicación pueden ser de difícil reconocimiento y manejo. Es de gran importancia realizar un diagnóstico asertivo y ofrecer el tratamiento adecuado para poder disminuir las complicaciones que se pudieran presentar. La ecografía es una ayuda diagnóstica cada vez más utilizada que nos puede ayudar a guiar nuestras conductas de manera rápida y efectiva. Caso clínico: presentamos un caso de un paciente con un absceso en cuello, en el que la utilización de la ecografía de manera intraoperatoria facilitó la toma de decisiones y evitó procedimientos invasivos innecesarios. Conclusiones: el Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) es una forma rápida y práctica de resolver preguntas y facilitar la toma de decisiones objetivas en el entorno perioperatorio.

Introduction: Deep neck infections are a complex group of pathologies with great potential for serious complications due to their location. Therefore, recognition and management can be a challenge. To reduce the risk of complications it is extremely important to have an assertive diagnosis y and offer the proper treatment. An ultrasound is a diagnosis tool that is being used more often because it can help us guide our medical decisions in a quick and effective way. Clinical case: We present a case of a patient who had an intraoperative ultrasound which helped in the decision making and avoided any further invasive procedures. Conclusions: The Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) is a quick and practical way to solve questions and facilitate objective decisions in the perioperative environment.

A way forward in pulmonary aspiration incidence reduction: ultrasound, mathematics, and worldwide data collection

Abstract Aspiration of gastric contents during induction of general anesthesia remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in anesthesia. Recent data show that pulmonary aspiration still accounts for many cases with implications on mortality despite technical and technological evolution. Practical, ethical, and methodological issues prevent high-quality research in the setting of aspiration and rapid sequence induction/intubation, and significant controversy is ongoing. Patients' position, drugs choice, dosing and timing, use of cricoid force, and a reliable risk assessment are widely debated with significant questions still unanswered. We focus our discussion on three approaches to promote a better understanding of rapid sequence induction/intubation and airway management decision-making. Firstly, we review how we can use qualitative and quantitative assessment of fasting status and gastric content with the point-of-care ultrasound as an integral part of preoperative evaluation and planning. Secondly, we propose using imaging-based mathematical models to study different patient positions and aspiration mechanisms, including identifying aspiration triggers. Thirdly, we promote the development of a global data collection system aiming to obtain precise epidemiological data. Therefore, we fill the gap between evidence-based medicine and experts' opinion through easily accessible and diffused computer-based databases. A better understanding of aspiration epidemiology obtained through focused global data gathering systems, the widespread use of ultrasound-based prandial status evaluation, and development of advanced mathematical models might potentially guide safer airway management decision making in the 21st century.

Low-cost versus high-fidelity pediatric simulators for difficult airway management training: a randomized study in continuing medical education

Abstract Background: High-fidelity (HF) pediatric patient simulators are expensive. This randomized study aimed to compare the quality and educational impact of a full-scale simulation workshop with an HF infant simulator (SimBaby™, Laerdal) or with a low-cost (LC) simulator composed of an inert infant manikin with SimBaby™ software that displays respiratory/hemodynamic parameters on a monitor for medical education in pediatric difficult airway management. Methods: After written informed consent, anesthetists and emergency or ICU physicians participated in teams (4 to 6 participants) in a training session that included direct participation and observation of two difficult intubation scenarios. They were randomized into two groups (HF group, n = 65 and LC group, n = 63). They filled out a simulation quality score (SQS, 0 to 50), self-evaluated their anesthetists' non-technical skills (ANTS) score (15 to 60), and an educational quality score (EQS, 0 to 60) immediately (T0, main criteria), as well as 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months after the training session. Results: We enrolled 128 physicians. Direct participation SQS (39 ± 5 HF group versus 38 ± 5 LC group), observation SQS (41 ± 4 H F group versus 39 ± 5 LC group), ANTS scores (38 ± 4 HF group versus 39 ± 6 LC group), T0 SQS (44 ± 5 HF group versus 43 ± 6 LC group), T3 and T6 SQS were not different between groups. Conclusion: Our low-cost simulator should be suggested as a less expensive alternative to an HF simulator for continuing medical education in pediatric difficult airway management.

Management of airway obstruction following lidocaine nebulization in a case of tracheal stenosis: case report

Abstract Stenting for lower tracheal stenosis is a tricky situation and for the safe conduct of anesthesia, it is imperative to maintain spontaneous respiration. Airway topicalization is routinely recommended for anticipated difficult airway. We report a case of upper airway obstruction following lidocaine nebulization in a patient to be taken for tracheal stenting for lower tracheal stenosis. We would like to highlight that close monitoring of the patient is advisable during airway topicalization to detect any airway obstruction at the earliest and how fiberoptic intubation can play a pivotal role to secure the airway in an emergency scenario.

Angioedema after rt-PA infusion led to airway emergency: a case report of rescue treatment with fresh frozen plasma

Abstract The authors report the case of a 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with acute ischemic stroke. She was treated with rt-PA and interventional endovascular revascularization and developed rapidly progressing angioedema that led to emergency intubation. The standard treatment was not very effective and the swelling improved after infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Angioedema after rt-PA infusion could be a life-threatening emergency that requires quick airway management by skilled professionals. As this condition is triggered by several factors, such as unregulated histamine and bradykinin production, the traditional treatment recommended by the guidelines may not be sufficient and the use of FFP can be considered as a safe and valuable aid.

Presentación atípica de tumor glómico en vía aérea: reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Atypical presentation of glomus tumor in the airway: Case report and literature review

Introducción. Los tumores glómicos provienen de los cuerpos glómicos, que son estructuras con función de termorregulación y se encuentran distribuidas por todo el cuerpo humano, principalmente a nivel distal de las extremidades, donde es común encontrar lesiones características, aunque hay reportes de casos que se presentaron como neoformación en localizaciones más inusuales. Su etiología aun es desconocida. No se sospechan en muchos pacientes y el diagnostico se realiza de manera incidental, por estudios imagenológicos o anatomopatológicos. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 66 años, con presencia de tumor glómico en vía aérea, diagnosticado por histopatología e inmunohistoquímica, que fue sometido a resección quirúrgica, con buena evolución posterior. Discusión. Esta presentación atípica de tumor glómico en vía aérea se manifiesta principalmente con síntomas y signos relacionados con obstrucción de la vía aérea. El manejo oportuno es primordial y el diagnóstico definitivo es por histopatología e inmunohistoquímica, donde se observan las características de las células glómicas, estructuras vasculares, músculo liso y la positividad en la inmunotinción de marcadores como actina del músculo liso, CD34, y actina específica del músculo, entre otras. Conclusión. Los tumores glómicos son neoformaciones benignas raras, con presentación más común en zonas distales. Su aparición depende de factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos de los pacientes. Su tasa de recidiva es muy baja en comparación de otros tumores

Introduction. Glomus tumors originate from glomus bodies, which are structures with thermoregulatory function and are distributed throughout the human body, mainly at the distal level of the extremities where it is common to find these characteristic lesions. Although, there are case reports of neoformation presentations with more unusual locations. Their etiology is still unknown. Many times when there is evidence of lesions in atypical areas they are not suspected in many patients and the diagnosis is made incidentally by imaging and/or anatomopathological studies. Clinical case. A 66-year-old female patient with the presence of a glomus tumor in the airway diagnosed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, underwent surgical resection and presented good evolution after surgery. Discussion. This atypical presentation of glomus tumor in the airway presents mainly with symptoms and signs related to airway obstruction. Timely management is paramount in these patients, and the definitive diagnosis is by histopathology and immunohistochemistry where the presence of the characteristics of glomus cells, vascular structures, smooth muscle and immunostaining positivity towards some markers such as smooth muscle actin, CD34, muscle specific actin, among others, are seen. Conclusion. This type of tumors are rare benign neoformations, with common presentations in distal areas. Their appearance depends on intrinsic and extrinsic factors of the patients and their recurrence rate is very low compared to other tumors

Preoperative airway ultrasound assessment in the sniffing position: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background: Clinical airway screening tests intend to predict difficult airways, but none have a high predictive value. Recent systematic reviews correlate ultrasound with difficult laryngoscopy. This study aimed primarily to correlate ultrasound measurements of anatomical upper airway structures in the sniffing position with difficult direct laryngoscopy. The secondary aim was to observe gender-based differences. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, single-center observational study included 209 patients requiring general anesthesia for elective surgery. Preoperatively, we performed six clinical airway assessments and three ultrasound measurements, which were the Distance from Skin to the Hyoid Bone (DSHB), to the Epiglottis (DSE), and to the anterior commissure of the vocal cords (DSAC) in a sniffing position. Benumof's criteria for the "best view at the first attempt" for direct laryngoscopy assessed the difficulty of laryngoscopy. Results: The distance from skin to the epiglottis was the best predictor of direct difficult laryngoscopy (defined as Cormack-Lehane grade > 2b) with a minimum thickness cut-off at 2.70 ± 0.19 cm (sensitivity 91.3%; specificity 96.9%). The skin to the hyoid bone distance cut-off was 1.41 ± 0.30 cm with moderate correlation (sensitivity 80.4%; specificity 60.1%). No correlation was found for the distance to the anterior commissure of the vocal cords. In women compared to men, the skin to the epiglottis distance was more sensitive (92.3% vs. 90.9%) and specific (98.8% vs. 95.2%). Conclusions: DSE in the sniffing position is the most reliable parameter for preoperative airway ultrasound assessment in the Caucasian population, with higher sensitivity and specificity in women, and might be considered as an independent predictor for direct difficult laryngoscopy.

Awake nasotracheal intubation with a 300-mm working length fiberscope: a prospective observational feasibility trial

Abstract Background: Awake fiberoptic tracheal intubation is an established method of securing difficult airways, but there are some reservations about its use because many practitioners find it technically complicated, time-consuming, and unpleasant for patients. Our main goal was to test the safety and efficacy of a 300-mm working length fiberscope (video rhino-laryngoscope) when used for awake nasotracheal intubation in difficult airway cases. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center study involving adult patients, having an ASA physical status between I and IV, with laryngopharyngeal pathology causing distorted airway anatomy. Awake nasotracheal intubation, using topical anesthesia and light sedation, was performed using a 300 mm long and 2.9 mm diameter fiberscope equipped with a lubricated reinforced endotracheal tube. The primary outcomes were the success and duration of the procedure. Patients' periprocedural satisfaction and other incidents were recorded. Results: We successfully intubated all 25 patients included in this study. The mean ± SD duration of the procedure, starting from the passage of the intubating tube through one of the nostrils until the endotracheal intubation, was 76 ± 36 seconds. Most of the patients showed no discomfort during the procedure with statistical significance between the No reaction Group with the Slight grimacing Group (95%CI 0.13, 0.53, p = 0.047) and the Heavy grimacing Group (95%CI 0.05, 0.83, p = 0.003). The mean ±SD satisfaction score 24 hours post-intervention was 1.8 ± 0.86 - mild discomfort. No significant incidents occurred. Conclusions: Our study showed that a 300-mm working length flexible endoscope is fast, safe, and well-tolerated for nasotracheal awake intubation under challenging airways.

A difficult airway approach in a merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy patient: a case report

Abstract Merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation on laminin-α2 gene characterized by severe progressive muscle weakness associated with neuromuscular scoliosis and restrictive lung disease. In this case report, we describe an alternative airway approach performed in a child with anticipated difficult airway and merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Significant anesthetic implications may increase the perioperative risk, requiring accurate knowledge to anticipate an adequate management and provide patient-safety strategies.

Upper airway angle and glottic height: a prospective cohort to evaluate two new features for airway prediction

Abstract Background: Predicting difficult direct laryngoscopies remains challenging and improvements are needed in preoperative airway assessment. We conceived two new tests (the upper airway angle and the glottic height) and assessed their association with difficult direct laryngoscopies as well as their predictive performance. Methods: A prospective cohort was conducted with 211 patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgical procedures. We assessed the association between difficult laryngoscopies and modified Mallampati Test (MMT), Upper Lip Bite Test (ULBT), Mandibular Length (ML), Neck Circumference (NC), Mouth Opening (MO), Sternomental Distance (SMD), Thyromental Distance (TMD), Upper Airway Angle (UAA), and Glottic Height (GH). We also estimated their predictive values. Results: Difficult laryngoscopy was presented by 12 patients (5.7%). Six tests were significantly associated with difficult laryngoscopies and their area under the ROC curve, and 95% CIs were as follows: UAA = 88.82 (81.86-95.78); GH = 86.43 (72.67-100); ML = 83.75 (72.77-94.74); NC = 79.17 (64.98-93.36); MO = 65.58 (45.13-86.02); and MMT = 77.89 (68.37-87.41). Conclusion: We have found two new features (the UAA and the GH) to be significantly associated with the occurrence of difficult direct laryngoscopies. They also presented the best predictive performance amongst the nine evaluated tests in our cohort of patients. We cannot ensure, however, these tests to be superior to other regularly used bedside tests based on our estimated 95% CIs.

The impact of introducing a videolaryngoscope in the initial training of laryngoscopy for undergraduate medical students: a simulation randomized trial

Abstract Introduction: Adequate and continuous airway management by health professionals is fundamental to ensure patient safety and protection. Among several techniques, laryngoscopy for orotracheal intubation is considered a basic skill, so it is taught and learned in medical school and used during the future years of professional practice. However, in some clinical scenarios, physical and anatomical characteristics can make laryngoscopy exceedingly difficult. In the last decade, some new devices have emerged to apply indirect or video-assisted imaging systems, so-called videolaryngoscopes. They have shown great efficiency in difficult intubation cases and have improved teaching and training. Our study introduced a videolaryngoscope, the McGrathTM MAC, in the regular laryngoscopy training rotation for 3rd-year undergraduate medical students and evaluated whether there was any associated optimization of the students' performance. Method: Students from two different classes and years (2017 and 2018) were randomly divided into two groups and received theoretical and practical training in the techniques of Direct Laryngoscopy (DL) and Videolaryngoscopy (VL). The students in each group applied the manoeuvres and simulated three tracheal intubation attempts on mannequins. They were evaluated for their success rate on the first attempt, the time required to finalize the intubation, and the visualization of the glottic structures according to the classification of Cormack-Lehane (C&L). Results: Two hundred and four students with an average age of 21 ± 2 years participated in the study; the groups were similar. There was a significant difference between the VL and DL groups in the 1st attempt success rate (97% and 89.4%, respectively, p = 0.0497 - 95% CI), but such a difference was not seen for the other attempts or regarding the number of oesophageal intubations (3% and 7.7%). The students in the VL group were faster than those in the DL group in all intubation attempts; in parallel, the vast majority of the VL group reported excellent visualization conditions, with 75% of the attempts classified as Cormack-Lehane grade 1. Conclusion: The introduction of a videolaryngoscope in medical students' training improved the visualization of anatomical structures and allowed tracheal intubation maneuvers to be performed faster and with a higher success rate on the first attempt. Thus, under the conditions of this prospective study, the videolaryngoscope had a positive impact on training and proved to be a promising tool for teaching laryngoscopy.

Airway management in mucopolysaccharidosis: a retrospective case series review

Abstract Airway management can be difficult in surgeries of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis. We performed a retrospective review of 31 surgeries performed between 2015 and 2019. The mean age of the patients was 127.6 months. MPS-IV and MPS-VI were the most frequent subtypes. Orthopedic surgeries were the most common surgery type. Difficult intubation was seen in 10 procedures. All patients with difficult intubation were aged over 36 months. Video laryngoscopy was the most common intubation method. Seventeen patients were followed up in the intensive care unit. Although video laryngoscopy seems to be a safe method in these patients, one should always be prepared for alternative methods.