Anesthesiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anesthesiology, including details on clinical anesthesiology, evidence based practice, techniques.

Use of a modifier reduces inconsistency in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification in parturients.

Barbeito A, Muir HA, Gan TJ, Reynolds JD, Spahn T, White WD, Panni MK, Schultz JR

Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

In this study, we sought to determine whether there is a significant discrepancy among a group of practitioners when rating pregnant patients using the ASA Physical Status Classification and whether this discrepancy could be resolved with the addition of a modifier for pregnancy. Our results indicate that significant discrepancy occurs and that it is reduced with the use of the modifier, especially when referring to the healthy parturient.

Published 22 March 2006 in Anesth Analg, 102(4): 1231-3.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Anesthesiology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.