A Comparison of Airway Ultrasound and Clinical Parameters for Predicting Difficult Laryngoscopy in the Emergency Department: A Study Protocol

Background: Airway assessment plays an important part in airway management. Over the years, ultrasound has emerged as an alternative modality for airway assessment. We aim to assess the accuracy of clinical parameters, ultrasonographic upper airway parameters, and laryngoscopic grade, using the Cormack-Lehane classification, to predict difficult laryngoscopy in the emergency department (ED). The primary objective is to determine the accuracy of ultrasonography parameters compared to Cormack-Lehane grading in predicting difficult laryngoscopy in adults. The secondary objective is to assess the accuracy of clinical parameters compared to Cormack-Lehane grading in predicting difficult laryngoscopy in adults. Methods: A sample of 62 adult patients over 18 years who come to the emergency department and require endotracheal intubation will undergo an ultrasonographic examination of the upper airway. During this examination, an emergency medicine physician will measure the skin-to-epiglottis distance and tongue thickness using the GE Healthcare (Chicago, IL) ultrasound and color Doppler (model: Logic E). Results: The results of the study will be drawn in 2025 upon its completion. Conclusions: The conclusion will be drawn regarding the correlation between ultrasound parameters and Cormack-Lehane grading and clinical parameters in predicting difficult laryngoscopy.