Bedside ultrasound monitoring of stomach emptying in mechanically ventilated ICU patients

Evaluation of Gastric Emptying and Residual Volume Using Ultrasound in Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Patients Receiving Different Enteral Nutrition Solutions

Observational Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital · NCT07352202

This project tries bedside ultrasound to see if it can measure stomach volume and emptying time in adults on mechanical ventilation who are receiving tube feeding.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT07352202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective observational work uses standardized bedside gastric ultrasound to measure gastric volume and emptying dynamics in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients. Ultrasound exams will be performed at predefined time points by trained clinicians to estimate gastric residual volume and calculate emptying times. Measurements will be compared across patients receiving different enteral nutrition formulations as part of routine care. The protocol also examines the practicality of using bedside ultrasound as a non-invasive monitoring tool in critically ill patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) who are mechanically ventilated in the ICU with a nasogastric tube, hemodynamically stable, and receiving enteral nutrition are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who are hemodynamically unstable, have recent major abdominal surgery, significant ascites, major abdominal trauma or burns, or an inadequate ultrasound window are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, bedside ultrasound could provide a simple non-invasive way to monitor gastric emptying and help tailor enteral feeding to reduce aspiration risk.

How similar studies have performed: Prior smaller studies in perioperative and critical care settings have shown gastric ultrasound can estimate gastric volume, but data specifically in mechanically ventilated patients and comparisons between feeding formulas remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the intensive care unit
* Presence of a nasogastric tube
* Hemodynamically stable patients receiving enteral nutrition as part of routine clinical care

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent abdominal surgery within the first 24 hours
* Major abdominal trauma or burns
* Significant ascites
* Inadequate ultrasound window (e.g., severe meteorism)
* Hemodynamic instability
* Contraindication to enteral nutrition

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gastric Ultrasoundgastric ultrasoundıntensive care unitgastric residual volume
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.