Predictors of Intubation in Children.

ABSTRACT

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 preoperatively 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. Conclusion We have derived simple formulae to predict mentohyoid, thyromental and sternomental distances relevant to airway based on height and age of children.