Clinical Prediction Rule of Mao et al for Difficult Intubation in a Child with Robin Sequence

Patient selection: Robin sequence, apparently a neonate

Exam: craniofacial CT

Outcome: need for mandibular distraction osteogenesis

The key finding was the cross-sectional area of the upper airway at the epiglottis tip. If the area is >= 36.97 square mm is associated with difficult intubation.

This finding was 100% sensitive and 63% specific for difficult intubation.

Other findings associated with difficult intubation (using designations from  Table 1):

(1) shorter distance between the root of the tongue and posterior pharyngeal wall (D6, <= 2 mm)

(2) shallower mandibular angle bilaterally (A5, < 131 degrees)