GUSS-ICU safe nutrition plan for patients after extubation

Evaluation of the Effects of Using the GUSS-ICU Safe Nutrition Program After Extubation in ICU Patients

NA · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07195383

This trial will test whether using the GUSS-ICU feeding plan for adults who were just taken off a breathing tube improves nutrition and swallowing safety compared with routine care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa (other)
Locations2 sites (Istanbul and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07195383 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized controlled trial conducted in the anesthesia intensive care units in Istanbul where eligible adults recently extubated (within 4 hours) are assigned to either routine post-extubation care or a GUSS-ICU–guided nutrition program. Patients in the intervention arm receive a GUSS-ICU swallowing assessment shortly after extubation and a nutrition plan based on the score, with monitoring continued for four days. Baseline and day-4 measures include m-NUTRIC, APACHE-II, SOFA, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and PG-SGA alongside a patient data form. Patients with neuromuscular disease, tracheostomy, recent head/neck surgery, prior dysphagia, high bleeding risk, or prolonged noninvasive ventilation are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) who were intubated >24 hours and have been extubated within the past 4 hours, with a RASS score in the 0–2 range, are ideal candidates for enrollment.

Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular disease, tracheostomy, recent head or neck cancer/surgery, prior dysphagia, high bleeding risk, or those needing prolonged noninvasive ventilation are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could make post-extubation feeding safer and more standardized, potentially reducing aspiration risk and improving short-term nutritional status.

How similar studies have performed: Swallowing-screen–based feeding protocols such as GUSS have shown benefits in stroke populations, but the GUSS-ICU adaptation for immediate post-extubation ICU patients is relatively new with limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age 18 and over Patients expected to remain intubated for more than 24 hours. Patients who have been extubated for no more than 4 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with neuromuscular disease
* Patients requiring non-invasive ventilation for more than 6 hours after extubation
* Patients being followed in the terminal phase
* Patients with a tracheostomy cannula
* Patients with a history of dysphagia
* Patients with head/neck cancer or surgery
* Patients with existing facial fractures
* Patients with a RASS score not within the 0-2 range
* Patients at high risk of bleeding (INR ≥ 2.0, Platelet count ≤ 50,000).

Where this trial is running

Istanbul and 1 other locations

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: Dysphagia, Dysphagia, Swallowing Function, Diet Modification, Dysphagia Diet, Diet Standardization, DYSPHAGIA, ICU, POST- EXTUBATION

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.