Continuous versus daytime intermittent tube feeding for critically ill adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Critically ill adult patients who are receiving or eligible for exclusive gastric tube feeding will receive either continuous 24-hour enteral nutrition or a daytime intermittent feeding pattern (four one-hour portions between 08:00 and 20:00) for up to five days or until exclusive gastric feeding stops. The study will compare glycaemic control using continuous glucose monitoring, gastrointestinal function and hormones, markers of sleep quality and circadian rhythm, and changes in lean body mass and body composition. Common ICU exclusions such as pregnancy, burn injuries, expected prolonged fasting, readmission within 14 days, or participation in another nutrition trial apply. The trial is being run at three regional hospitals in the Netherlands with support from Wageningen University and ZonMw.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years;
2. Receiving or eligible to receive exclusively gastric tube feeding;
3. Expected ICU stay ≥48 hours;
4. Receiving or anticipated to receive invasive mechanical ventilation within 48 hours after ICU admission.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The treating clinician considers participation in the study clinically contraindicated (e.g., change in feeding regimen, no possibility for placement of CGM on arms, not able to receive exclusive gastric tube feeding);
2. Death is deemed to be imminent or inevitable during admission, and the attending doctor, patient, or substitute decision-maker is not committed to active treatment;
3. Pregnancy;
4. Expected fasting for ≥12 hours during the study period, for example, due to medical procedures;
5. Readmission in last 14 days;
6. Patients with burn injuries;
7. Participating in another nutritional intervention study.

Where it's running

• Gelderse Vallei Hospital
  Ede, Gelderland, Netherlands Recruiting
• Deventer Ziekenhuis
  Deventer, Overijssel, Netherlands Recruiting
• Medisch Spectrum Twente
  Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands Recruiting
• Martini Ziekenhuis
  Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands Recruiting
• Haga Ziekenhuis
  The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Arthur RH van Zanten
• Email: ZantenA@zgv.nl
• Phone: +3131843115

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.