Succinylcholine versus rocuronium for rapid sequence intubation in intensive care: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Table 1 Scoring system for intubation conditions

Table 1 shows the scoring system used to derive both a numerical and qualitative intubation score. The factors laryngoscopy, vocal cords, and response to intubation are individually rated with a score from 1 (worst) to 3 (best). The assignment of a score for each of the three factors is based on the lower rating of two parameters. For example, the combination of the parameters "no limb movement" and "no coughing" results in a score of 3 for the factor response to intubation, while the combination of the parameters "no limb movement" and "severe coughing" results in a score of 1.
The numerical intubation score was obtained by summing up the scores assigned to the factors: laryngoscopy, vocal cords, and response to intubation. The maximum score is thus 9, while the minimum score is 3.
The qualitative intubation scores were defined as follows: (a) Excellent intubation conditions: all three factors were rated with a score of 3. (b) Good intubation conditions: all three factors were rated either with a score of 3 or 2. (c) Poor intubation conditions: the presence of one factor rated with a score of 1.
Excellent and good intubation conditions are considered clinically acceptable while poor intubation conditions are considered clinically not acceptable [14].

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