562 Relationship of Apneic Pause Duration and Airway Protection in Pediatric Patients Referred for Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies

Background and aims: Coordination of breathing and swallowing must be precise for maintenance of airway protection and prevention of aspiration. The phases of respiration are interrupted during swallowing; swallowing apnea must be of sufficient duration to protect the airway to prevent entry of food or liquid. The specific respiratory phase patterns and the association with normal and abnormal swallowing parameters in pediatric patients are presently unknown. The aim of the present project was to analyze the duration of apneic pause during swallowing in association with swallowing parameters in a cohort of pediatric patients undergoing videofluoroscopic studies of swallowing.