Jennifer Lundine, M.S./C.C.C.

Trainee Type:

LEND

Email:

jennifer.lundine@nationwidechildrens.org

Discipline:

Speech Language Pathology

Year:

2010-2011



Biography:

Focus of Study/Abstract

Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Carbonated Thin Liquids in Dysphagic Pediatric Patients

Aspiration of liquids is a serious and sometimes fatal yet very preventable complication of neurological impairments such as stroke or brain injury. This investigation is being conducted to determine whether carbonated thin liquids offer a safe alternative to thickened liquids for children with dysphagia. Children with dysphagia frequently need diet modifications such as limiting choices to soft foods or liquids thickened with an artificial thickener. Many children, however, simply refuse to eat or drink these altered textures. This study is important because if carbonated beverages result in reduced laryngeal penetration/aspiration into the airway, shorter pharyngeal transit time, and less pharyngeal retention for children with dysphagia as was seen in adults (Bulow et al, 2003), it could provide patients with a safe alternative to thickened liquids. Most children enjoy carbonated beverages and therefore are likely to drink a larger quantity, which may result in better hydration reducing the risk of dehydration and possibly shortening the time that tube feedings are required for hydration or nutrition. The research hypothesis is: Carbonated thin liquids will result in less laryngeal penetration/aspiration into the airway and less significant pharyngeal retention when compared to non-carbonated thin liquids in children with neurologic impairments between the ages of 4-18 years.

Education

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology; The Ohio State University, 2000.

Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science; The Ohio State University, 1998.

Research Interests

Research interests include swallowing problems following neurologic injury, rehabilitation after pediatric acquired brain injury, animal-assisted therapy. Current activities include looking at how carbonated liquids affect swallowing in children and adolescents after acquired brain injury.

Grant & Fellowship Awards

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program Research Trainee Grant, 2010-2011.

University Fellowship for Graduate Study; The Ohio State University, 1999-2000.

Posters/Presentations

Animal-Assisted Therapy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Nationwide Children’s Hospital, September 2008.

Practical Strategies to Optimize School Re-Integration for Students with Brain Injury; School Based OT/PT Institute, August 2007&Ohio Speech-Language Hearing Association, March 2009.

Columbus Children’s Hospital Rehab School Program; Presentation to Traumatic Brain Injury Team at Dodd Hall, May 2006.

Comprehensive Care for Acute Care Patients; Columbus Children’s Hospital, November 2005.

Pediatric Brain Injury; The Ohio State University, annually 2005-2011; Presentation to Graduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology (Course: Traumatic Brain Injury).

Rehab School Re-Integration at Columbus Children’s Hospital; Columbus Children’s Hospital, April 2004.

Research Projects

Pediatric Test of Brain Injury; Co-Investigator, Nationwide Children’s Hospital for multi-site study, IRB Approval September 2006; Completed 2009.

Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Carbonated Thin Liquids in Dysphagic Pediatric Patients; Principal Investigator, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, IRB Approval April 2005.

Reliability of the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS) for use in the Pediatric Population; Co-Investigator, Nationwide Children’s Hospital,IRB Approval July 2004; Completed 2007.