Increasing protein intake for critically ill patients in the ICU
Official title: Replacing Protein Via Enteral Nutrition in a Stepwise Approach in Critically Ill Patients: An International, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center · NCT04475666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if giving more protein to critically ill patients in the ICU can help them survive longer compared to those who get the usual amount.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2502 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | King Abdullah International Medical Research Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Jeddah, Jeddah and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 21, 2020 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04475666 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are receiving enteral nutrition and are on invasive mechanical ventilation in the ICU.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not on life support, those receiving parenteral nutrition, or those who have already exceeded the protein intake threshold in the first four ICU days may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effects of supplemental enteral protein on critically ill patients in the ICU. Patients will be randomized to receive either a standard protein intake or an increased protein intake starting from ICU day 4 until discharge or up to 90 days. The study aims to compare the all-cause 90-day mortality rates between the two groups. The trial is multicentric and open-label, focusing on patients who are on invasive mechanical ventilation and have specific nutritional needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve survival rates for critically ill patients by ensuring they receive adequate protein nutrition.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown that optimizing protein intake in critically ill patients can lead to improved outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria(on ICU calendar day 4 or the morning of day 5) 1. Age ≥18-years old 2. Patient started on enteral nutrition (EN) via nasogastric/orogastric or duodenal or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or jejunostomy tubes. 3. The patient is on invasive mechanical ventilation and unlikely to be discharged from ICU next day. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Lack of commitment to full life support or brain death. Patients with "Do Not Resuscitate" order but with commitment to ongoing life support can be enrolled. 2. Patients on any amount of parenteral nutrition (PN) in ICU at the time of screening, whether PN is used alone or in combination with enteral nutrition. Non-nutritional calories (dextrose, propofol, citrate) not considered as PN. 3. Patients who received an average protein of more than 0.8g/kg/day in the first 4 ICU days. 4. Patients being fed entirely through oral route - i.e. those who are eating. 5. Pregnancy. 6. Burn patients. 7. Prisoners or those undergoing forced treatment. 8. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy or Child C liver cirrhosis 9. Inherited defect of amino acid metabolism. 10. Allergies to protein supplement
Where it's running
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King Abdulaziz Medical city
Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Recruiting -
Intensive Care Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yaseen M Arabi, MD — King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Yaseen M Arabi, MD
- Email: arabi@ngha.med.sa
- Phone: 0118011111
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.