Stepwise enteral feeding plan to improve nutrition for critically ill children in the PICU.
Official title: Could a Stepwise Enteral Nutritional Algorithm Affect Patient's Outcome in Pediatric Intensive Care Units? An Interventional Study
Run by Ain Shams University · NCT07307027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will try a step-by-step tube-feeding plan to see if it helps critically ill infants and children in the pediatric ICU get the nutrition they need.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 1 Month to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ain Shams University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Abbasia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 2, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 3, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07307027 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Critically ill infants and children aged 1 month to 16 years admitted to the PICU who require enteral feeding and do not meet any exclusion criteria are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Children discharged or dying within 24 hours, and those with acute pancreatitis, esophageal perforation, known metabolic disorders, a required ketogenic diet, or short bowel syndrome are excluded and 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 prospective interventional study uses a pre/post-implementation design at the Pediatric Intensive Care Units of Ain Shams University Children's Hospital. Investigators will collect baseline data, implement a standardized stepwise enteral nutrition algorithm, and compare feeding interruptions, nutrient delivery and clinical outcomes before and after the protocol. The protocol targets common avoidable barriers such as prolonged fasting and conservative advancement for gastrointestinal intolerance. Outcomes will focus on achievement of energy goals and short-term clinical measures in critically ill children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the algorithm could reduce unnecessary feeding interruptions, increase the proportion of nutrition targets achieved, and improve short-term recovery in PICU patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous enteral feeding protocols in intensive care settings have often improved nutrient delivery and reduced interruptions, although evidence for clear effects on broader clinical outcomes is mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Critically ill infants and children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Units. * Age range from 1 month to 16 years (specifically males up to 14 years and females up to 16 years). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are discharged or died within 24 hours of admission. * Patients with acute pancreatitis. * Patients with esophageal perforation. * Patients with a known metabolic disorder. * Patients requiring a ketogenic diet. * Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome.
Where it's running
-
Ain Shams University
Cairo, Abbasia, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed A Mohamed, MSc, MB Bch
- Email: MohamedAkram@med.asu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201141141902
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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.