Scientists probe muscle loss in ICU patients with novel tracer technique

NCT ID NCT03451968

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study aims to understand how amino acids are processed differently in critically ill patients who have been in the ICU for more than 7 days compared to healthy volunteers. Researchers will inject stable (non-radioactive) amino acid tracers and take multiple blood samples over 3 hours to measure metabolism. The goal is to gather knowledge that could eventually lead to better nutritional support or treatments to prevent muscle wasting in long-stay ICU patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
stable amino acid tracers (injected)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help guide future treatments to prevent muscle wasting in long-term ICU patients.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early observational study with only 30 participants. It measures metabolism but does not test any treatment, so direct patient benefits are not expected.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Rabin medical center

    RECRUITING

    Petah Tikva, Israel

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