A Prospective Study to Identify the Critical LEMON Score for Predicting Difficult Intubation.
Introduction: LEMON (Look-Evaluate-Mallampati-Obstruction-Neck mobility) scoring system is considered as one of the popular assessment tools to predict difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Previous studies aimed to use LEMON score to predict difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation by correlating them to Cormack and Lehane grading where 3 and above was considered difficult laryngoscopy. None of these studies have identified a precise cut off LEMON score that would predict difficult laryngoscopy and intubation. The aim of this study was to identify an exact LEMON score at or above which we can predict difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. This would help to prepare equipment and personnel for expected difficult intubation based on this cut off LEMON score. Methods: 32 consenting patients of either gender between 18-65 year who were scheduled to undergo elective surgical intervention in Khoula Hospital were assessed for LEMON score and its correlation was made with Cormack Lehane grade for assessing difficulty in laryngoscopy and intubation under a uniform general anesthetic technique. The primary objective was to determine the LEMON score at or above which difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation could be predicted. The secondary objectives were to study the role of age, gender and BMI in this study, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of each parameter of the LEMON score. Results: The primary outcome showed LEMON score of 2 and more can predict difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. For the secondary outcome, it showed different strengths in each component of the LEMON score in predicting difficult intubation. The best specificity (91.30%) and sensitivity (77.78%) to predict difficult tracheal intubation was noted to be hyomental distance < 3. We could not show conclusive evidence that age and BMI are variables that could influence the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, possibly because of the small sample size. Conclusion: LEMON score of 2 and more may be predictive of difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Hyomental distance and Mallampatti grade as individual predictors of the LEMON score can be more effective than others in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.