Could a glass of water replace IV fluids in the ICU? small study investigates

NCT ID NCT03951519

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

Summary

This pilot study tested whether giving water through a feeding tube works as well as IV saline for fluid expansion in 50 ICU patients on ventilators with low blood pressure. Researchers measured changes in heart function and blood flow. The goal was to gather initial data to design larger studies, not to prove which method is better.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
oral water
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that giving water through a feeding tube is a safe and effective way to help stabilize blood pressure in ICU patients, potentially reducing side effects from IV fluids.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 50 patients, so results may not apply to all ICU patients. The study is designed to gather information, not to prove that water is better than saline.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Chu Dijon Bourogne

    Dijon, 21000, France