Comparison of two methods for predicting difficult intubation.
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.
Oates
J D
JD
Department of Anaesthetics, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.
Macleod
A D
AD
Oates
P D
PD
Pearsall
F J
FJ
Howie
J C
JC
Murray
G D
GD
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