Appropriate Size of Laryngeal Mask Airway in Thai Children: Is It Age or Weight that Better Correlated?

Background: Clinicians are divided regarding laryngeal mask airway (LMA) size selection for pediatric patients, primarily whether age or body weight is an appropriate predictor. Objective: Determine if body weight and/or age are reliable predictors in LMA size selection in Thai children. Material and Method: Retrospective review of patient medical records was conducted between October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Seven hundred forty one patients, aged 0 to 8 years, were evaluated for the present study. Age and weight correlation for LMA size selection was determined. Appropriate LMA size was identified by successful LMA insertion after induction of anesthesia. Results: Our findings indicate that size 1 LMA for patients weighing less than 7 kilograms, size 1.5 LMA for patients weighing 7 to 11 kilograms, size 2 LMA for patients weighing 11 to 17 kilograms, and size 2.5 LMA for patients weighing 15 to 28 kilograms is appropriate. There was poor correlation between children’s age and LMA size. Conclusion: LMA size selection should be based on patient’s weight. Our findings revealed applicable and specific weight range for LMA selection in Thai pediatric patients.