Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2763177 | Journal of Clinical Anesthesia | 2010 | 5 Pages |
Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the upper lip bite test (ULBT) in predicting difficult laryngoscopy.DesignProspective, observational outcome study.SettingOperating room of a large tertiary-care academic medical center.Patients6,882 consecutive adult, ASA physical status I, II, III, IV, and V patients, scheduled for procedures in all surgical specialties.InterventionsUpper lip bite test class was determined for all patients preoperatively.MeasurementsThe Cormack & Lehane grade of laryngeal view was determined at endotracheal intubation.Main ResultsOnly 171 patients had ULBT class III, predicting a difficult laryngoscopy, while 173 patients presented with a Cormack & Lehane grade of 3 or 4. Of the 173, 14 patients had a previous ULBT class of III. Sensitivity and positive predictive value of the ULBT were 8.1% and 8.2%, respectively.ConclusionsThe ULBT is a poor predictor of difficult laryngoscopy when used as the single bedside screening test in a North American patient population. Its use cannot be recommended.