Langeron et al identified factors associated with difficult mask ventilation (DMV). The authors are from the Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Pitie-Saltpetriere of the University of Paris in France.
Parameters identified as independent risk factors on multivariate analysis:
(1) age
(2) body mass index
(3) presence of beard
(4) lack of teeth
(5) history of snoring
Other factors identified in univariate analysis, but not passing multivariate analysis:
(1) macroglossia
(2) higher Mallampati grade
(3) shorter thyromental distance
Parameter
Finding
Points
age
<= 55 years
0
> 55 years
1
body mass index
<= 26 kg per square meter
0
> 26 kg per square meter
1
beard (for males)
no
0
yes
1
dentition
good dentition
0
lack of teeth
1
history of snoring
no
0
yes
1
where:
• The lack of teeth seems to indicate being edentulous. There does not seem to be any special handling for people with partial dentures.
risk score =
= SUM(points for the 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 5 for males, 4 for females
• A score >= 2 indicated a high likelihood of difficult mask ventilation (sensitivity 72%, specificity 73%, positive predictive value 12%, negative predictive value 98%).
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