Should ICU patients eat before tube removal? new study challenges old practice

NCT ID NCT06382727

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Emma Ridley Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study looked at whether continuing liquid feeding (enteral nutrition) right up to the moment a breathing tube is removed is better than the usual practice of fasting for at least 4 hours. The study involved 60 critically ill adults in the ICU who were on a ventilator. The goal was to see if this approach reduces the total hours of fasting before tube removal.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: enteral nutrition (liquid feeding via tube)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could change ICU routines to reduce unnecessary fasting before breathing tube removal.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study (60 patients) and may not prove safety or benefit. Results may not apply to all ICU patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Critical Illness Fasting

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CRITICAL ILLNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Gold Coast University Hospital

Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
The Alfred Hospital

Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia

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