Upper lip bite test as a predictor of difficult mask ventilation: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Critical Care

Background:

• Bag-mask ventilation is vital for maintaining oxygen saturation.
• Predicting mask ventilation difficulty is critical during anesthesia induction and emergencies.
• This study evaluates factors predicting difficult bag-mask ventilation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of difficult bag-mask ventilation.
• To assess the predictive value of various patient factors.
• To improve patient safety during ventilation procedures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 200 patients, divided into ULBT class I and II/III groups.
• Evaluated factors: height, weight, gender, snoring, neck circumference, Mallampati class, sternomental, and thyromental distances.
• Statistical analysis included Chi-square, t-test, and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Individual predictors: ULBT class (NPV 86%), snoring history (NPV 83%), neck circumference (NPV 81%).
• Combined predictors (ULBT, snoring, neck circumference) achieved a 95% NPV.
• These factors demonstrated a significant impact on difficult mask ventilation incidence.

Conclusions:

• ULBT class is valuable for predicting ventilation difficulty.
• Combining ULBT class, snoring history, and neck circumference significantly enhances predictive accuracy.
• This combination offers improved risk assessment for difficult mask ventilation.