Ultrasound measurement of subglottic diameter and an empirical formula for proper endotracheal tube fitting in children

• DOI: 10.1111/aas.12167
• Publication Date: 2013-08-02T12:09:20Z
• Authors: E. J. KIM; S. Y. KIM; W. O. KIM; H. KIM; H. K. KIL
• Keywords: Endotracheal tube

Background The appropriate endotracheal tube ( ETT ) size is commonly determined using age‐based formula; determination based on ultrasound US measurement of subglottic diameter SD ), the narrowest portion paediatric upper airway, may provide a better method for accurate fit. We aimed to validate measures before intubation establish an empirical formula fitting and biographic parameters. Methods included 215 children aged 1–72 months undergoing general anaesthesia. was performed anterior neck measure during mask ventilation under Endotracheal with cuffed selected by recommendation; transverse outer OD within trachea at subglottis level OD‐ETT measured. Results correlated actual outside R 2 = 0.635), showing validity ultrasonographic measurement; moreover, ‐measured revealed strong correlation 0.834). data (age, height weight) showed little in less than 12 but good height) older P < 0.01). Conclusions agreement , suggesting that helps choosing children. In months, equation ‘ (mm) 0.01 × age (months) + 0.02 (cm) 3.3’ help select .