Evaluation of the Palm Print Test as a Predictor of Difficult Intubation in Diabetic Patients and its Comparison with Other Airway Evaluation Indices

Abstract Introduction: Due to the restriction of mobility of atlanto-occipital joint, diabetic patients have a higher incidence of difficult intubation. Easy-to-use screening tools for predicting difficult intubation in this group of patients will help in decreasing complications and morbidity. Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine sensitivity and specificity of palm print (PP) test in predicting difficult airway in diabetic patients and to compare it with other difficult airway indices like mallampati grading. Materials and Methods: Between 18 years and 70 years, a total of 60 diabetic patients undergoing general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation were studied prospectively. Airway indices were noted using the PP test, modified Mallampati test (MMT), thyromental distance (TMD), and their corresponding Cormack–Lehane scores were noted. The correlation between the duration of diabetes and incidence of difficult intubation was also studied. Results: PP score >1 had sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 97.1% in predicting difficult intubation. The accuracy of this test (95%) was higher than MMT (65%) and TMD (68%). Conclusion: PP test is an objective, easy-to-perform and reliable tool in predicting difficult intubation in diabetics.