Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

Modified Mallampati Classification appears to be  a clinically useful predictor of   successful intubation.  The score is assessed in a sitting position. Patient is asked to open a mouth and to protrude the tongue as much as possible.

Procalcitonin (PCT)   is the peptide precursor of calcitonin, a hormone that is synthesized by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid.  The reference value of procalcitonin in adults and children older than 72 hours is 0.15 ng/mL or less. Severe bacterial infection, b acterial sepsis is  associated with elevated serum procalcitonin levels (>2 ng/mL).