ACCURACY OF MALLAMPATTI SCORE IN COMPARISON TO CORMACK-LEHANE GRADING FOR DIFFICULT AIRWAY PREDICTION

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Mallampati score in predicting difficult intubation, with direct laryngoscopy being the gold standard. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesia, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, between June 1 to December 31, 2018. A total of 247 patients who met the selection criteria were enrolled, and their Mallampati score and direct laryngoscopy were assessed to predict difficult intubation. The data was recorded on a proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 21. A 2x2 table was generated to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of the Mallampati score. The mean age of the patients was 38.57±10.14 years, with 41 (16.6%) males and 206 (83.4%) females. The mean BMI of the patients was 27.60±5.90 kg/m2. The results showed that the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of the Mallampatti score in predicting difficult intubation were 52%, 81.1%, 23.6%, 93.8%, and 78.1%, respectively. These findings suggest that the Mallampatti classification is inaccurate enough to predict difficult intubation in general anesthesia patients.