Mallampati and Brodsky Classification and Children's Risk for Sleep Related Breathing Disorder

To evaluate associations between Mallampati and Brodsky classification and children's risk for sleep related breathing disorder (SRBD).

This study recruited well-children 2-11 years old and legal guardians over 18 years from a community dental clinic. Modified Mallampati classification (IIV) and Brodsky grade (0-4) were classified by a single dentist. Guardians completed the validated 22-item pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) to identify children at risk of SRBD. Associations between Mallampati and Brodsky classifications with risk for SRBD as defined by PSQ were determined by Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and simple logistic regression models.

Of 150 children included (M=5.9 years), 76 (51%) female, 108 (72%) Latino/Hispanic, 82 (55%) were classified as Mallampati class I or II, 68 (45%) class III or IV, 119 (79%) were identified as Brodsky grade 0, 1, or 2, and 31 (21%) grade 3 or 4. Children with Mallampati class III and IV and Brodsky grade 3 and 4 collectively had a 5.24-fold and 2.8-fold increase in SRBD risk per PSQ compared to children with class I and II and grade 1 and 2, respectively.

Mallampati classification may be a quick, non-invasive screening tool to improve identification and timely intervention for children at risk of SRBD.