Evaluation of ultrasound airway assessment parameters in pregnant patients and their comparison with that of non-pregnant women: a prospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
The US airway assessment parameters differ significantly between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Pregnancy, hyoid bone visibility, and Pre-E/E-VC ratio were independent predictors of the difficult airway in female patients.
Study context
- Population
- Pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section and age-matched non-pregnant women scheduled for elective surgery
- Participants
- 82 vs 80
- Exposure
- Pregnant vs non-pregnant women: ultrasound airway assessment parameters
- Pregnantn = 82
- Non-pregnantn = 80reference
- Outcome
- Ultrasound (US)-assessed airway parameters
Methodological detailsage-matched
- Age-matched
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
US airway parameters
- Significantly higher hyomental distance, anterior neck soft tissue thickness at hyoid and vocal cord level, and oral cavity height in pregnant patients
- Significantly lower tongue thickness and mandibular condylar movements in pregnant patients
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
Clinical airway assessment parameters
- Significantly higher modified Mallampati grade (MMG) and upper lip bite test scores, mentohyoid distance and neck circumference in pregnant patients
Predictors of difficult airway (MMG ≥ 3)
- Pregnancy, Pre-E/E-VC ratio and hyoid bone visibility were independent predictors of a difficult airway
Original publication
Evaluation of ultrasound airway assessment parameters in pregnant patients and their comparison with that of non-pregnant women: a prospective cohort study. Int J Obstet Anesth. Published 28 December 2022. doi:10.
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