Comparison of Difficult Airway with Dental Malocclusions during Laryngoscopy with Video Laryngoscopy in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: -

TL;DR

The study found that dental malocclusions are linked to more difficult airway management during surgery, as shown by higher laryngoscopy and Malampathi scores.

Contribution

This study establishes a novel association between dental malocclusion classes and difficult airway indicators in surgical patients.

Findings

Dental malocclusion class is significantly associated with higher video laryngoscopy grades.

Malampathi criteria scores increase with higher dental malocclusion classes.

Class 2 and 3 malocclusions are linked to more severe difficult airway indicators.

Abstract

Managing difficult airways in surgical patients remains a significant
challenge for primary care physicians and anesthesiologists, often leading
to
high-stress situations. Dental malocclusion is a critical factor that can
complicate airway management during laryngoscopy.To investigate the
relationship
between dental malocclusion classes and difficult airway indicators, such as
video laryngoscopy grade and Malampathi criteria, in patients undergoing
elective surgery.

This descriptive-analytical study
randomly sampled patients scheduled for elective surgery at Shahid Mohammadi
Hospital in 2022. Data were collected using a checklist that included
variables
such as age, sex, height, weight, dental malocclusion class, Malampathi
scale,
and video laryngoscopy grade. The Chi-square test and multiple logistic
regression were applied to compare proportions between groups. A p-value of
0.05
was considered statistically significant.

The study found no
significant relationship between dental malocclusion class and height,
weight,
or age. However, the prevalence of malocclusion across all three classes was
higher in male patients. A significant association was observed between
dental
malocclusion class and both Malampathi criteria and video laryngoscopy grade
(P0.005). Specifically, as the malocclusion class increased, both the
laryngoscopy grade and Malampathi grade also increased.

This study
highlights a significant relationship between dental malocclusion class and
difficult airway indicators, such as video laryngoscopy grade and Malampathi
criteria. Higher grades of laryngoscopy grade and Malampathi criteria were
associated with Class 2 and Class 3 dental malocclusions. These findings
underscore the importance of dental occlusion assessment in predicting and
managing difficult airways in surgical patients.

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