Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prevalence and Measurement of Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

This study is for very unwell patients in intensive care. Some might be on a breathing machine, and others on a special life support machine called ECMO. We know that these patients sometimes don't get enough nutrition because their stomachs empty slowly. This study wants to find out how common this problem is in patients on ECMO compared to those only on a breathing machine. It will also compare different ways of measuring how quickly the stomach empties, like using a simple scan or checking stomach contents with a syringe, to find the best method. The goal is to help ensure these critical patients receive the food they need to recover.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Gastric Emptying Delayed Gastric Emptying Critical Illness ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell in intensive care, they often need help with breathing from a machine. Some patients, especially those with very severe heart or lung problems, might also need a special life support machine called ECMO. This machine helps their heart and lungs work while they recover.

These patients usually get liquid food through a tube into their stomach. But sometimes, their stomachs empty very slowly, which means they don't get all the nutrition they need. Not getting enough food can make recovery harder and lead to longer stays in hospital. We don't know much about how often slow stomach emptying happens in patients on ECMO, or the best way to measure it easily at their bedside.

This study has two main goals. Firstly, it wants to see how common slow stomach emptying and other tummy problems are in patients on ECMO, compared to patients who are only on a breathing machine. Secondly, it will compare different ways of checking how quickly the stomach empties, like using a simple ultrasound scan or checking liquid remaining in the stomach, to find the best and most accurate method. This research is important to help doctors and nurses make sure all patients in intensive care get the right amount of nutrition to aid their recovery.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on nutrition for very sick patients in intensive care.
It aims to understand slow stomach emptying, especially in patients on ECMO life support.
Researchers will compare different ways to measure stomach emptying at the bedside.
The goal is to help ensure patients receive proper nutrition for recovery.
Participation involves simple, safe checks like ultrasound or measuring stomach contents.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 80 who have been admitted to intensive care at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital within the last 72 hours. To join, you must be on a breathing machine and receiving liquid food through a stomach tube.

Some people will be included if they are also receiving ECMO (the special heart and lung support machine). Others will be included if they are only on a breathing machine and not ECMO.

You would not be able to join if you are pregnant, have a history of ongoing slow stomach emptying, or other long-term stomach or bowel problems. Also, if you have certain current stomach or bowel issues like blockages or bleeding, or have had major stomach surgery, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18 to 80?
Have you been admitted to intensive care at Guy's & St Thomas' in the last 3 days?
Are you currently on a breathing machine and getting liquid food through a stomach tube?
Do you have a history of any ongoing stomach or bowel problems, or recent stomach surgery?
Are you pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part in this study, the research team will measure how quickly your stomach empties. This will happen within four days of you being admitted to intensive care. They will use two simple methods that are usually done at the bedside: an ultrasound scan of your stomach, and by gently removing any liquid food left in your stomach through your feeding tube using a syringe. These measurements are quick and painless.

If you are on ECMO and are part of a smaller group in the study, you might also have another type of scan called scintigraphy. This involves adding a tiny, safe amount of a special tracer to your liquid food and then taking pictures to see how it moves through your stomach. This helps compare the accuracy of the other methods. The study team will look at these results and how they relate to the nutrition you receive and your overall health in intensive care. There are no extra hospital visits required, as all assessments happen while you are in intensive care. The duration of your participation in the study measurements is short, typically limited to the first few days of your ICU stay.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help us understand more about how stomachs empty in very sick patients, which could improve how doctors provide nutrition in the future. There are very few risks involved. The stomach ultrasound is painless and similar to scans used in pregnancy. The 'residual volume' check is a routine nursing procedure. For the scintigraphy scan, the tiny amount of tracer used is very safe, similar to a small x-ray dose. You can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is ECMO?

ECMO is a special machine that takes over the job of your heart and lungs for a while, helping you get oxygen and clear waste products when you are very unwell.

Why is nutrition important in intensive care?

Getting enough nutrition is vital to help your body heal and recover when you are very sick. It provides the energy and building blocks your body needs.

How will you measure stomach emptying?

We will use a gentle ultrasound scan of your tummy and sometimes check how much liquid food is left in your stomach using a syringe through your feeding tube. Some patients might also have a special scan called scintigraphy.

Will taking part change my treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change your regular medical care or how your doctors decide your treatment. It's about gathering information.

Is the study painful?

The measurements are generally painless. The ultrasound is a gentle scan, and checking residual volumes through a tube is a routine procedure.

How to find out more

Terpsichori Karpasiti

terpsichori.karpasiti@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0) 207 848 4552 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.