Comparison of the modified Mallampati classification score versus the best visible Mallampati score in the prediction of difficult tracheal intubation: a single-centre prospective observational study
Authors' conclusion
Compared with the modified Mallampati classification score, the best visible Mallampati score decreased sensitivity for predicting difficult orotracheal intubation and falsely classified half of the patients with difficult orotracheal intubation.
Study context
- Population
- Adults at preoperative anaesthesia consultation with a senior anesthesiologist
- Participants
- 3,243 vs 1,596
- Comparison
- Modified Mallampati vs Best visible Mallampati
- Modified Mallampatin = 3,243reference
- Best visible Mallampatin = 1,596
- Outcome
- Diagnostic characteristics as predictors of difficult orotracheal intubation (more than two direct laryngoscopies or need for an alternate device)
Methodological detailssingle-centre, prospective observational, Best visible Mallampati score obtained in 1,596 (49.2%) patients
- Single-centre
- Prospective observational
- Best visible Mallampati score obtained in 1,596 (49.2%) patients
Performance
As reported in the abstract
Difference in sensitivity
−0.30
95% CI −0.19 to −0.30P < 0.001
less sensitive
Difference in specificity
0.24
95% CI 0.22 to −0.25P < 0.001
more specific
Modified Mallampati
- Sensitivity
- 0.56 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.66)
- Specificity
- 0.69 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.71)
Modified Mallampati
Further findings
Incidence of difficult orotracheal intubation
- Difficult orotracheal intubation
- 77/3,243 (2.4%)
Patients with difficult intubation reclassified as low risk by best visible Mallampati
- Incorrectly reclassified as low risk
- 53%
Parts of this Brief are withheld: the automatic checks could not confirm them against the abstract.
Original publication
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