Comparing fasting times before anesthesia in children on tube feeding

Gastric Content After 6 vs 4 Hours of Preoperative Fasting in Children on Enteral Nutrition. A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Gastric Ultrasound

NA · Uppsala University Hospital · NCT05695066

This study tests whether fasting for 4 or 6 hours before anesthesia affects the stomach contents in children who are fed through a tube.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Uppsala)
Trial IDNCT05695066 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the risk of increased gastric contents in children who are tube-fed when fasting for either 4 or 6 hours prior to anesthesia. By using ultrasound to measure the antrum, researchers will assess the impact of different fasting durations on the stomach contents of these children. The study addresses the balance between minimizing aspiration risk and avoiding the negative effects of prolonged fasting, particularly in a vulnerable population that relies on enteral nutrition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children who are on intermittent or continuous enteral nutrition and are scheduled for elective procedures requiring general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe gastrointestinal motility disorders or those undergoing emergency surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved fasting guidelines that enhance safety and comfort for children undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing international work to revise fasting guidelines, this specific comparison of fasting durations in tube-fed children is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Child on intermittent or continuous enteral nutrition, scheduled for elective procedure requiring general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

Moderate to severe gastrointestinal motility disorder Emergency surgery Anatomical risk factor for pulmonary aspiration such as achalasia or bowel obstruction Parents cannot understand study information due to language barrier

Where this trial is running

Uppsala

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pulmonary Aspiration of Gastric Contents, Preoperation fasting, Anaesthesia, Children, Enteral feeding

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.