Comparing two types of enteral feeding in critically ill children

The Influence of Polymeric Versus Oligomeric Enteral Feeding on Tolerance and Nutritional Status in Paediatric Intensive Care: Prospective Randomized Trial

Not applicable Interventional Brno University Hospital · NCT04551846

This study is testing whether a special type of liquid food made from smaller or larger molecules helps critically ill children in the ICU better tolerate their nutrition and improve their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorBrno University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brno, South Moravian Region)
Trial IDNCT04551846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of oligomeric versus polymeric enteral feeding on tolerance and nutritional status in pediatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either oligomeric or polymeric enteral nutrition after stabilization of their condition. The study aims to optimize enteral feeding tolerance, which is crucial for improving energy and protein intake in critically ill children. By evaluating gastric residual volumes and adjusting feeding protocols, the research seeks to enhance nutritional support outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include pediatric patients in the intensive care unit who require nutritional support via enteral feeding.

Not a fit: Patients who have contraindications for enteral feeding or persistent hemodynamic instability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve nutritional tolerance and outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients requiring enteral feeding.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from adult populations suggest that oligomeric feeding formulas may offer better tolerance, indicating potential success for this approach in pediatric patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* PICU patients indicated for nutritional support by enteral feeding (gastric or jejunal)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Enteral feeding contraindicated
* Persistent haemodynamic instability
* Informed consent not signed
* Acute pancreatitis
* Recent upper gastrointestinal surgery
* Gut perforation
* Ileus

Where this trial is running

Brno, South Moravian Region

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 Enteral Feeding IntoleranceEnteral feedingEnteral nutritionPaediatric patientOligomericPolymeric
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.