Comparing Ultrasound and Aspiration Methods to Reach Caloric Goals in Critically Ill Adults Receiving Nasogastric Enteral Nutrition

What this Trial Is About

Enteral nutrition intolerance, shown by delayed stomach emptying and high gastric residual volumes, is common in critically ill patients in intensive care and can negatively affect outcomes. Lower levels of the hormone ghrelin might contribute to this problem. Traditionally, gastric residual volume GRV is measured to assess digestion and stomach movement, but these methods can be inaccurate and waste resources. Recently, ultrasound PoCUS has been developed to measure GRV, though its impact on achieving daily calorie goals has not been studied. This trial compares two ways of measuring gastric residual volume in critically ill patients receiving nutrition through a nasogastric tube ultrasound assessment versus aspiration of gastric contents. Participants are randomly assigned to either an ultrasound group or an aspiration group. The study evaluates how these methods affect reaching the daily caloric intake target over three days. Participants will be monitored to see if they reach their daily calorie goals during the study period. Researchers will assess gastric residual volume using the assigned method and track nutritional intake. Safety and effectiveness of each measurement method will be observed, with the study lasting until the caloric goal assessment after three days. The trial enrolls adults aged 18 to 99 years who are in intensive care and receiving nasogastric enteral nutrition.

Reaching a Caloric Goal Using a Gastric Sonar Versus Aspiration of Gastric Contents in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Nasogastric Enteral Nutrition