Observing nutrition in critically ill children

Nutrition in Paediatric Critical Care: a Bi-national Prospective Cohort Study

Observational Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre · NCT06695078

This study looks at how children in intensive care are fed to see if different nutrition methods can help them recover better and faster.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorAustralian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre Academic / other
Locations11 sites (Adelaide and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06695078 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multi-centre observational study focuses on nutritional practices in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) across Australia and New Zealand. It aims to collect data on various nutritional outcomes, including the methods of nutrition support, energy and protein provision, and patient-centered outcomes such as duration of respiratory support and hospital stay. The study will run in two phases, starting in late 2024 and again in 2026, and will also evaluate the delivery of nutrition services in both PICU and ward settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 18 years or younger who are admitted to the PICU for more than 72 hours.

Not a fit: Patients who are receiving end-of-life care or are admitted solely for organ donation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve nutritional management and outcomes for critically ill children in intensive care.

How similar studies have performed: While this study is observational, similar studies in adult populations have shown success in improving nutritional outcomes in critical care settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. All patients \</=18 years of age
2. Admitted to the PICU after 00:00 on the day of the study period commencement
3. Admitted to the PICU for \>72 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those previously enrolled during the study period (i.e. those re-admitted to PICU)
2. Those for end of life care only
3. Those admitted for organ donation

Where this trial is running

Adelaide and 10 other locations

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 ICUNutritionPaediatric
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.