Clinical Considerations for Airway Management in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Target Audience
This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals involved in the care of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in hospital, emergency, and/or surgical settings, including those specializing in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and emergency medicine.

Program Overview
This online activity provides case studies, evidence, and best practices related to airway management considerations in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

Describe anatomic and physiologic changes associated with AS and their implications for airway management
Utilize best practices for airway assessment and care of patients with AS in pre-hospital and hospital settings to minimize the risk of injury
Discuss advantages and disadvantages of different intubation techniques, including awake fiberoptic intubation and video laryngoscopy, in patients with AS
Apply an individualized approach to airway management in patients with AS by considering multisystem involvement and coexisting conditions, including COVID-19 infection