Using gastric ultrasound to assess patients in the ICU

Gastric Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patients for Evaluation of Gastric Volume Residuals; A Comparison of NPO Protocols

Not applicable Interventional Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT05526105

This study is testing if using gastric ultrasound to check stomach contents can help improve care for critically ill patients in the ICU who can't eat.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire)
Trial IDNCT05526105 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves critically ill patients in the ICU and utilizes gastric ultrasound to measure gastric residual volumes. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of various NPO (nothing by mouth) protocols in these patients. By quantifying gastric contents, the study aims to improve patient management during critical care. The approach focuses on patients who are sedated or under general anesthesia and have a cuffed endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older who are admitted to the ICU and require sedation or general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with known upper gastrointestinal anatomical issues or those who are pregnant beyond the first trimester may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the safety and efficacy of feeding protocols in critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of gastric ultrasound in critical care is gaining interest, this specific approach to comparing NPO protocols is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients age 18 or older, admitted to the ICU, requiring general anesthesia or sedation for a procedure with a pre-existing, cuffed endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Most patients admitted to the ICU would be unable to consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known upper gastrointestinal anatomical problem that would prevent accurate estimation of gastric volume, gastric perforation, pregnancy beyond the first trimester.
* Lack of a pre-existing, cuffed endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.

Where this trial is running

Lebanon, New Hampshire

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 Critical IllnessSurgeryAspiration PneumoniaNPO ProtocolsIntensive Care UnitGastric UltrasoundUltrasoundSurgical Intensive Care Unit
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.