Trial Comparing Early Versus Delayed Feeding After PEG Tube Placement in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma and Surgical ICU Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the best timing to start feeding after placing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy PEG tube in trauma and surgical intensive care unit ICU patients who are on mechanical ventilation. These patients are at high risk of malnutrition due to interruptions in enteral nutrition caused by procedures or care transitions. The study aims to find evidence that encourages earlier feeding to reduce calorie deficits and improve patient outcomes in this vulnerable group. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the noFAST group, which starts tube feeding within 1 hour after the PEG procedure, or the FAST group, which begins feeding 4 hours after the procedure. Both groups will receive feeds at the rate and with the formula they tolerated before the procedure. This randomized controlled trial is conducted at the bedside in the ICU setting. During the study, researchers will monitor the number of hours participants fast around the procedure from 24 hours before to 72 hours after, as well as any complications and calorie deficits within 72 hours after the procedure. Participants will receive regular assessments to track their feeding tolerance and nutritional status. The trial is expected to run until September 2026, with ongoing monitoring of outcomes to guide feeding practices after PEG placement in ventilated ICU patients.

RCT: Early Feeding After PEG Placement