Assessment of a time‐frame for postnatal changes in the aerodigestive tract during the first year of life

The goal of this study is to provide the first comprehensive assessment of the timing and sequencing of developmental change in the human aerodigestive tract (ADT) during the first year of postnatal life. We hypothesize that a period of identifiable change occurs in this interval. The ADT serves as the anatomic crossroads for the functions of olfaction, breathing, swallowing, and vocalization. It undergoes anatomic restructuring marked by descent of the larynx and disengagement of the epiglottis from the soft palate. This transition period has also been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although proper configuration of these structures is vital for normal function, little is known about the exact timing of events. We performed an extensive multimodal analysis of the current literature to determine whether there is a period of identifiable change within the first year. Imaging (MR, CT, US, 3D‐CT, 3D–MR) and physiologic studies were assessed as they relate to visualization and timing of ADT positional changes. Results suggest that an identifiable period of change occurs between the 2nd and 6th months based on a matrix of functional and imaging data. This period is cotemporaneous with increased frequency of SIDS, obstructive sleep apnea, and aspiration during suckling. Future research will center on developing a more robust database of normal values and establishing patterns of normal variation. Grant Funding Source : Mount Sinai Summer Research Fellowship