Using gastric ultrasound to assess trauma in children

Evaluation of Gastric Contents by Ultrasound in Pediatric Trauma Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Observational Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · NCT05330351

This study is testing if using gastric ultrasound can help doctors see how much fluid is in the stomach of injured children before they have surgery, to keep them safer during anesthesia.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05330351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of gastric ultrasound in measuring gastric fluid volumes in pediatric trauma patients who require urgent or emergent surgery. It focuses on identifying children with elevated gastric fluid volumes and high-risk gastric contents, which may increase the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. The study builds on existing evidence that trauma can lead to delayed gastric emptying and elevated gastric contents, potentially complicating anesthetic management. By assessing gastric fluid volumes, the study seeks to improve safety protocols for anesthesia in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients aged 0-17 years who have sustained a traumatic injury requiring urgent or emergent surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with altered gastric physiology, such as those with a history of Nissen Fundoplication or gastroparesis, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the safety of anesthetic management in pediatric trauma patients by accurately identifying those at risk for aspiration.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated elevated gastric contents in pediatric trauma patients, suggesting that this approach may be promising, though this specific application of gastric ultrasound is less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients ages 0-17 years-old
* Patients suffering from a traumatic injury requiring urgent or emergent surgery.
* Inpatient or Same-Day Surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children with altered or abnormal gastric physiology, ie, history of Nissen Fundoplication, history of short-gut syndrome, history of bariatric surgery/gastric sleeve, history of gastroparesis or functional dysmotility, etc.

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 TraumaComplicationsAspirationpediatrictraumagastricultrasound
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.