Comparing feeding methods for patients with severe traumatic brain injury

A Randomized Controlled Study to Explore the Effect of Different Feeding in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Not applicable Interventional People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06249022

This study is testing which feeding method works better for patients with severe brain injuries who have a tracheostomy, comparing intermittent tube feeding to nasogastric tube feeding.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Xinzhu)
Trial IDNCT06249022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized controlled study investigates the effectiveness of two feeding methods for severe traumatic brain injury patients with tracheostomy. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding or Nasogastric tube feeding for nutritional support. The study evaluates various outcomes, including nutritional status, complications, decannulation of tracheostomy tubes, and level of consciousness at baseline and after 28 days. The goal is to determine which feeding method provides better clinical outcomes for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with severe traumatic brain injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8.

Not a fit: Patients with severe consciousness disorders caused by other diseases or those unable to cooperate with treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve nutritional support and recovery outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different enteral feeding methods, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥ 18 years, meeting the diagnosis of severe Traumatic Brain Injury, confirmed through MRI
* score of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) \<8;
* presence of no contraindication for enteral nutrition;
* with stable vital signs and no severe liver or kidney dysfunction, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or multiple complications;
* informed consent form was obtained from the patients' family members.

Exclusion Criteria:

* unable to cooperate in completing treatment and assessment due to personal reasons or other disorders;
* complicated with other intracranial lesions, such as stroke;
* with severe consciousness disorders caused by other diseases.

Where this trial is running

Xinzhu

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 Traumatic Brain Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.