Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the predictive value of Mallampati classification with Cormack & Lehane grading for tracheal intubation and assess their correlation at direct laryngoscopy.
Methods
This comparative study was carried out in the department of anesthesiology and intensive care unit, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from November 2004 to March 2007. One hundred and twenty two patients belonging to ASA-I , II and III ranging from 18-65 years, undergoing elective procedures from all surgical specialties requiring endotracheal intubation were included in the study. All were assessed pre-operatively one day before surgery and their airway was assessed using Mallampati classification. The conduct of anesthesia was kept uniform in all patients. The Cormack & Lehane grading was assessed prior to intubation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 10.0.
Results
While comparing Mallampati classification in classes and Cormack & Lehane grades, P-value came to be 0.01. The value of correlation co-efficient ( r) was 0.335 (p 0.01).
Conclusion
Mallampati classification and Cormack & Lehane grading is a good predictor for tracheal intubation. Mallampati classification did not correlate grade-to-grade with Cormack & Lehane grading on direct laryngoscopy. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:2-6).

Key words: Larngoscopy, airway, intubation.