Mallampati Scoring and Its Relation to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Author

Austin Korczak

Date of Award

4-27-2017

Document Type

Capstone

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Michael Hamman

Second Advisor

Season Ellison

Third Advisor

Jennifer Baumann

Abstract

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association potentially 80% of moderate to severe cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) go undiagnosed with even optimistic estimates stating that at least 22 million Americans are afflicted by the disorder. These numbers are expected to continue to increase due to the rising rates of obesity in America. As a result, reliable criteria that can help physicians accurately predict the presence of an underlying sleep disorder, whose symptoms are masked during the day, is highly sought after. The objective of this research is to begin defining these criteria via a literature review of articles that evaluate the correlation of the Mallampati Scoring System (MSS), a frequently cited tool with promise in predicting OSA, with other factors that have been established as predictors of OSA. These factors of interest include Body Mass Index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), and the Apnea-hypopnea Index.

Recommended Citation

Korczak, Austin, "Mallampati Scoring and Its Relation to Obstructive Sleep Apnea" (2017). Honors Capstones. 14.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/honors-cap/14