Identifying factors that make airway management difficult in children during surgery

Incidence of Difficult Airway and Identification of Relevant Anthropometric Factors in Pediatric Patients Scheduled for Elective Surgery

University Childrens Hospital Belgrade · NCT06000267

This study is trying to find out what physical traits in children can make it harder for doctors to manage their airways during surgery, so they can create a better way to predict these challenges.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages28 Days to 14 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Childrens Hospital Belgrade (other)
Locations1 site (Belgrade)
Trial IDNCT06000267 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify predictors of difficult airway management in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. Researchers will assess various anthropometric measurements of the face and neck one day prior to surgery and evaluate the difficulty of mask ventilation and intubation during the procedure. The study will categorize participants by age groups and utilize scoring systems to predict airway challenges based on collected data. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a new scoring system for predicting difficult airways in children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged from one month to 14 years scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital syndromes associated with difficult airways or those undergoing specific types of surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve airway management strategies in pediatric surgeries, enhancing patient safety and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored airway management in pediatric populations, this specific approach focusing on anthropometric predictors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients from one month to 14 years old scheduled for elective surgery in general endotracheal anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital syndromes which include difficult airway (Pierre Robin, Goldenhar syndrome, Treacher Collins syn, Down syn, Edwards, Arthrogryposis, Apart syn etc.), craniofacial dysmorphia, ENT, maxillofacial and cardiac surgery patients, patients with resent respiratory infections

Where this trial is running

Belgrade

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Difficult Airway, children, intubation, face mask ventilation, best oropharyngeal view

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.