Comparing continuous and bolus protein delivery in critically ill children
Continuous Versus Bolus Dietary Protein and Nutrition Status in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Pilot Study
This study is testing whether giving protein to critically ill children in larger amounts at once helps them get better nutrition and maintain their body size better than giving it continuously over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06721923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention evaluates the impact of continuous versus bolus dietary protein delivery on nutrition status markers in critically ill children aged 1 to 11 years. The study aims to determine if bolus delivery can reduce the decline in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and provide more grams of protein per day compared to continuous delivery. Participants will have their daily nutrition intake monitored and undergo body composition assessments at various intervals during their stay in the pediatric intensive care unit. The research team will ensure informed consent is obtained appropriately, considering the emotional state of families during this critical time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 1-11 years who are expected to stay in the pediatric intensive care unit for more than 72 hours and are receiving enteral nutrition.
Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular conditions, those on high-dose steroids, or those requiring specialized diets may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve nutritional outcomes and recovery in critically ill pediatric patients.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific comparison of continuous versus bolus protein delivery in critically ill children is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children admitted to PICU over 1 year of age and younger than 11 years of life * Expected to remain in the pediatric intensive care unit for longer than 72 hours * Receiving standard pediatric formula via NGT/OGT/GT Exclusion Criteria: * Neuromuscular condition such as muscular dystrophy * Admitted with home prescription for high dose steroids, receives growth hormone or insulin * Enteral nutrition is contraindicated or if nutrition requirements are partially/fully met by parenteral nutrition * Formula delivered into the small bowel (duodenum/jejunum, NJT/GJ) * Those who require a highly specialized diet (E.g., large burns or metabolic diseases) * Patients with a cow's milk protein allergy cannot safely receive a whey-based protein supplement
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- BC Childrens Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rajavel Elango, PhD — University of British Columbia, Department of Pediatrics
- Study coordinator: Kaitlin A Berris, BSc
- Email: kaitlin.berris@bcchr.ca
- Phone: 604-875-2000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.