Predicting difficult airway among diabetic adults using palm print sign: A cross-sectional study

Prediction of difficult airway among type 2 diabetic patients using the palm prints sign during preoperative assessment is of interest. A total of 215 diabetic patients scheduled for elective surgery were evaluated using palm print grading, Mallampati score, and other airway assessment tools. Difficult laryngoscopy was observed in 17.7% of patients and showed a significant association with higher palm print grades (2 and 3). The palm print sign demonstrated high sensitivity (78.9%), specificity (85.2%), and was identified as an independent predictor of difficult airway with an odds ratio of 4.91. Hence, early identification of difficult airway among diabetic patients can enhance airway management and reduce complications related to intubation.