title: Comparison of two methods for predicting difficult intubation.
abstract: Two methods of predicting difficult laryngoscopy were compared prospectively. Mallampati class and Wilson risk-sum were determined before operation and laryngeal view graded in 675 patients. Both tests identified five of 12 difficult laryngoscopies; twice as many patients were predicted to be difficult by Mallampati classification than by Wilson risk-sum. Inter-observer variation was minimal using Wilson risk-sum, but considerable for Mallampati classification. We prefer the Wilson risk-sum for assessment of the airway, while noting that both tests have poor sensitivities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Oates
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Macleod
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Oates
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Pearsall
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Howie
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Murray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors