Sitting Versus Supine Modified Mallampati Test for Predicting Difficult Airway: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
The diagnostic accuracy of the modified Mallampati test for predicting difficult airway was not significantly associated with patient position.
Study context
- Population
- Patients assessed with the modified Mallampati test in both supine and sitting positions
- Participants
- 8,261 patients · 20 studies
- Comparison
- Supine vs sitting modified Mallampati test
- Outcome
- Diagnostic accuracy for difficult laryngoscopy (Cormack-Lehane grade ≥III)
Methodological detailsbivariate random-effects models, meta-regression, paired design (same patients), Searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database and Web of Science from inception to January 2026
- Bivariate random-effects models
- Meta-regression
- Paired design (same patients)
- Searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database and Web of Science from inception to January 2026
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
| Group | Pooled sensitivity | Pooled specificity |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting | 0.661 (95% CI, 0.573-0.738) | 0.783 (95% CI, 0.684-0.858) |
| Supine | 0.750 (95% CI, 0.617-0.849) | 0.705 (95% CI, 0.57-0.813) |
Pooled sensitivity
Sitting0.661 (95% CI, 0.573-0.738)
Supine0.750 (95% CI, 0.617-0.849)
Pooled specificity
Sitting0.783 (95% CI, 0.684-0.858)
Supine0.705 (95% CI, 0.57-0.813)
Original publication
Sitting Versus Supine Modified Mallampati Test for Predicting Difficult Airway: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Anesth Analg. Published 24 July 2026. doi:10.
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