Measuring how much nutrition from tube feeding is absorbed in adults after a long ICU stay
Official title: Assessment of Nutrient Absorption in Enterally Fed Post-ICU Patients Using Bomb Calorimetry: do the Calories Stick
Run by Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT06923813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test how much of the calories from tube feeding are actually absorbed by adults recovering from a long ICU stay.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Brussels and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06923813 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) who had a minimum 7-day ICU stay, are fully dependent on enteral feeding (nasogastric or PEG), and can consent in Dutch, French, or English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with known inflammatory bowel disease, other malabsorptive gastrointestinal disorders, prior small bowel resection, or those taking excluded serotonergic or sympathomimetic medications are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center, interventional study will enroll 20 adults who had at least a 7-day ICU stay and are fully dependent on enteral feeding via nasogastric or PEG tube. Daily caloric intake will be recorded while resting energy expenditure is measured by indirect calorimetry, and stool produced during a three-day collection marked with a nonabsorbable blue dye will be analyzed by bomb calorimetry to measure unabsorbed energy. Stool samples will be freeze-dried, pelletized, and tested using a Parr 6200 isoperibol calorimeter to quantify excreted calories and calculate absorption efficiency. The study will also quantify potential food waste from enteral feeding to inform more sustainable feeding practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help clinicians tailor enteral nutrition so patients receive the calories they need while reducing unnecessary overfeeding and hospital food waste.
How similar studies have gone: Bomb calorimetry and indirect calorimetry have been used in nutrition research, but applying them together to measure absorption in post-ICU enterally fed patients is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age of 18 years or older * minimum ICU stay of 7 days * fully dependent on enteral feeding (nasogastric or PEG-tube) * ability of the patient or representative to understand and sign written informed consent in Dutch, French or English Exclusion Criteria: * known inflammatory bowel disease * known malabsorptive gastrointestinal disease * history of small bowel resection * concomitant use of serotoninergic or sympathomimetic medications (oa. setrone, tryptans, antidepressants, methylphenidate, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tramadol)
Where it's running
-
UZ Brussel
Jette, Belgium Recruiting -
UZ Brussel
Brussels, Belgium Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elisabeth De Waele
- Email: Elisabeth.DeWaele@uzbrussel.be
- Phone: 02476 3354
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.