The causes of difficult tracheal intubation and preoperative assessments in different age groups

Abstract

BackgroundWe studied the differences in airway assessment factors among old, middle, and young age groups, and evaluated the frequency and causes of difficult intubation among these groups.MethodsPatients were divided into young ( 11 increased. In the old and middle group, the incidence of difficult intubation was increased compared with the young group. Dentition in the young group, Mallampati score and interinsisor gap in the middle group and Mallampati score, cervical joint rigidity in the old group respectively predicted difficult intubation.ConclusionsCompared to young individuals, middle-aged or elderly adults are likely to experience more difficulty in endotracheal intubation and its predictive factors could vary by age group.

Keywords

• aging
• difficult
• endotracheal intubation
• laryngoscopy