Using nasogastric tubes to help babies with bronchiolitis breathe better

Placement of Nasogastric Tubes for Gastric Decompression in Patients With Bronchiolitis

Not applicable Interventional Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute · NCT04480970

This study is testing if using a nasogastric tube can help babies with bronchiolitis breathe better while they are on high-flow nasal cannula.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 23 Months
SexAll
SponsorArkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Trial IDNCT04480970 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of nasogastric tube placement for gastric decompression in improving respiratory distress in infants with bronchiolitis who are on high-flow nasal cannula. Participants will be assessed using the Marlais Risk of Admission Score before and after the placement of the NG tube to measure changes in their respiratory status. The study will involve monitoring patients for 60 minutes post-intervention to determine any improvements in their condition. All patients will be admitted to an inpatient unit for the duration of the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants aged 0 to 23 months diagnosed with bronchiolitis and requiring high-flow nasal cannula support.

Not a fit: Patients with bacterial pneumonia, cranio-facial anomalies, congenital heart disease, G-tube dependence, short gut syndrome, or current tracheostomy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve breathing and reduce the need for more invasive interventions in infants with bronchiolitis.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in managing respiratory distress in pediatric populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of bronchiolitis by the attending physician
* On high flow nasal cannula (4 liters or greater)
* Ages 0 months to 23 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia
* History of cranio-facial anomalies
* History of congenital heart disease
* History of G-tube dependence
* History of short gut syndrome
* History of tracheostomy or current tracheostomy

Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas

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 Bronchiolitis
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.