Should ICU patients eat before tube removal? new study challenges old practice
NCT ID NCT06382727
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Gold Coast University Hospital
Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia
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St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
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The Alfred Hospital
Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia