The extended Mallampati score and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus are predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in the morbidly obese.

Background: The modified Mallampati (MMP) classification is a standard method of oropharyngeal evaluation for predicting difficult laryngoscopy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the predictive value of the MMP is improved when the patient's craniocervical junction is extended rather than neutral (Extended Mallampati Score, EMS). In the present study, we compared the predictive value of the MMP and EMS in the morbidly obese.

Congenital cervical spine fusion and airway management: a case series of Klippel-Feil syndrome.

Study Objective: To determine the ideal airway management modalities in general anesthesia for pediatric patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome, a disorder that is characterized by abnormalities of the cervical spine and craniofacial structures that may impede successful airway management.

Design: Retrospective review of electronic anesthesia database.

Setting: University hospital.