Comparing continuous and bolus protein delivery in critically ill children
Official title: Continuous Versus Bolus Dietary Protein and Nutrition Status in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Pilot Study
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT06721923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 1 Year to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 12, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06721923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neuromuscular conditions, those on high-dose steroids, or those requiring specialized diets may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve nutritional outcomes and recovery in critically ill pediatric patients.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific comparison of continuous versus bolus protein delivery in critically ill children is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.