Upper Lip Bite Test and Intubation Difficulty
Author Information
Author(s): Khan Zahid Hussain, Maleki Anahid, Makarem Jalil, Mohammadi Mostafa, Khan Ramooz Hussain, Zandieh Ali
Primary Institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
To compare the labiomandibular morphometry with cervicomandibular morphometry and test the correlation of ULBT with other predictive tests for difficult intubation.
Conclusion
The upper lip bite test is a reliable predictor of difficult intubation, showing high specificity and positive predictive value.
Supporting Evidence
- ULBT had a positive predictive value of 100%.
- The specificity of ULBT was found to be 100%.
- Difficult laryngoscopy was seen in 11.3% of patients.
- ULBT class III correlated strongly with difficult laryngoscopic view.
- High negative predictive value was found for ULBT.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a simple test called the upper lip bite test to help predict if a patient will have a hard time being intubated during surgery.
Methodology
300 patients were evaluated using the upper lip bite test, hyomental/thyrosternal distances, and mandible length to predict intubation difficulty.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with certain conditions that could affect intubation, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 20–60 years, ASA physical status I and II, with a mean age of 38.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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