Four-Part check may reveal hidden malnutrition in sickest kids

NCT ID NCT07830966

NEW Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Assiut University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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First seen Sep 21, 2026 · Last updated Sep 21, 2026

Summary

Researchers at Assiut University are studying how to identify malnutrition in critically ill children aged 1 month to 5 years admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. The team uses a four-part ABCD approach that combines body measurements, blood markers, physical signs, and diet history within 48 hours of admission. They then track whether nutritional status relates to how long children need mechanical ventilation, how long they stay in the PICU, and whether they survive. The study aims to see if this practical assessment can flag children at higher risk.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to
If the ABCD approach proves reliable, hospitals could spot malnourished children sooner and tailor feeding plans during intensive care.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study at a single center, so it can show patterns but not prove that malnutrition causes worse outcomes. Findings may not apply to other hospitals or regions.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Participants

About 103 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Sep 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Jan 2028

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Who is studied

Critically ill children aged 1 month to 5 years admitted to PICU at Assiut University Children Hospital

Ages

1 month to 5 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 1 month to 5 years * Admitted to PICU with expected length of stay greater than 48 hours * Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic renal or hepatic disease known to affect serum protein levels * Incomplete medical records or discharged or transferred before first laboratory sample could be obtained * Receiving nutritional support enteral or parenteral prior to PICU admission for condition unrelated to current critical illness

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Critical Illness Malnutrition nutritional deficiency disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

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