Comparing ultrasound and Mallampati score to predict difficult intubation in obese patients

Airway Ultrasound Versus Mallampati Score as a Predictor of Difficult Direct Laryngoscopy in Obese Patients an Observational Study

This study is testing if using ultrasound to look at neck anatomy can better predict difficult intubation in obese patients than the traditional Mallampati score before surgery.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ain Shams University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT06057818 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of pre-operative ultrasound assessments of neck anatomy in predicting difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients undergoing elective surgeries that require tracheal intubation. It compares the ultrasound method to the traditional Mallampati score, which is commonly used to assess the risk of difficult intubation. Patients will undergo ultrasound evaluation before anesthesia induction, and demographic and clinical data will be collected to support the findings. The goal is to improve the prediction of difficult airway management in this high-risk population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are obese patients aged 18 to 60 with a BMI over 30, scheduled for elective surgeries requiring endotracheal intubation.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with a history of difficult intubation, emergency surgery needs, or significant airway abnormalities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the safety and efficacy of intubation procedures in obese patients by providing a more accurate prediction of difficult airway scenarios.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ultrasound for airway assessment, suggesting that this approach may provide valuable insights, although this specific comparison is less commonly explored.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both sexes
2. Age from18 to 60 years old
3. With an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification score of I to III,
4. Scheduled for elective surgical procedure requiring endotracheal intubation
5. Body mass index more than 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient refusal
2. Emergency surgery
3. Patients with history of airway or neck surgery
4. Neck mobility abnormalities
5. Syndromatic patients
6. Pre-existing airway malformations or pathology like facial or cervical fractures, maxillofacial abnormalities, cervical tumors or goiter.
7. History of difficult intubation.
8. Patients with tracheostomy tubes.
9. Pregnant patients.
10. Body mass index less than 30 kg/m2.
11. ASA IV or above patients.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

• Ain Shams University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sherif HA Loka

Conditions Airway Ultrasound; Difficult Intubation; Mallampati Score