Mallampati Score

The Mallampati score is a classification system used to predict the ease of endotracheal intubation based on the visibility of anatomical structures in the mouth and throat.

How to Assess the Mallampati Score

• Patient Position:

  • Seated with head in a neutral position.
  • Ask the patient to open their mouth wide and stick out tongue without phonation

• Observation:

  • Examine the structures of the oral cavity, including visibility of the soft palate, uvula, and faucial pillars (the arches in front of and behind the tonsils)

Mallampati Classification

The Mallampati score is divided into four classes:

• Class I: The soft palate, uvula, fauces, and pillars are completely visible.
• Class II: The soft palate, major part of the uvula, and fauces are visible.
• Class III: The soft palate and base of the uvula are visible.
• Class IV: Only the hard palate is visible.

Clinical Significance

• OSA: higher Mallampati scores may be associated with increase odds of obstructive sleep apnea ²
• Laryngoscopy: higher Mallampati scores may be associated with a difficult airway, as defined by challenges with direct laryngoscopy and intubation, though sensitivity and interobserver reliability are limited. This score may be useful in the context of other history and examination related predictive factors in pediatric patients who can cooperate