Improving nutrition delivery for ICU patients after abdominal surgery

The PASTDUe Nutrition EcoSystem Pathway In Acute Care Abdominal Surgery and Trauma to Decrease Underfeeding and Complications

Phase 4 Interventional Duke University · NCT05127109

This study tests a new way to provide better nutrition for adult ICU patients recovering from abdominal surgery to see if it helps them heal faster and improves their overall health.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionscart
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05127109 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on enhancing the nutritional support for adult patients in the ICU who have undergone abdominal surgery and require total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The study implements a structured nutrition delivery pathway that includes tube feeding, oral nutrition supplements, and the use of an indirect calorimeter to assess calorie needs. Patients will be monitored throughout their hospitalization to evaluate changes in nutrition status, fat, and muscle mass. The outcomes will be compared to a historical control group to assess the effectiveness of this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are admitted to the ICU with major abdominal trauma or related conditions and are not expected to receive oral or enteral nutrition for more than 72 hours.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to die or have life-sustaining treatment withdrawn within the first 72 hours of ICU admission may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced complications for ICU patients requiring nutritional support after abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with structured nutrition delivery approaches in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \>= 18 years
2. ICU admission with major abdominal trauma, intra-abdominal sepsis, ischemic bowel/vascular emergencies, or penetrating trauma
3. Not expected to receive oral or enteral nutrition for \> 72 hours
4. Primary team approval of PN

4. \< 72 hours post-operative intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Expected death or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment within the first 72 hours of ICU admission
2. Patients admitted with

   * Diabetic ketoacidosis or non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma
   * MELD \> 20 or acute fulminant hepatic failure
3. Patients allergic to any component of parenteral nutrition or lipid solution
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
5. Incarcerated or prisoner prior to admission

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 Diet, HealthyFoodNutritionIntensive CareAbdominal TraumaSurgeryIntra-abdominal InfectionSepsis
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.