Extract

Background and study aims Critically ill patients typically lose a lot of muscle mass despite what we feed them. Minimising muscle loss during critical illness is crucial to improving short and long term physical function after critical illness and to provide an earlier independence for this vulnerable patient group. The aim of this study is to try and determine when is the best time to feed critically ill patients so that we can try and minimise their muscle loss. We will also find out whether an amino acid supplement is useful to minimise muscle loss. Who can participate? Trauma patients (head and multiple trauma) over 18 years of age admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Unit (HDU) and mechanically ventilated for over 48 hours. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group receives usual care - standard enteral feeding (tube feeding) given according to need. The other group receives an essential amino acid supplement given twice daily in addition to standard enteral feeding. Changes in muscle mass are measured with ultrasound so that we can see if muscle is being broken down or built up. Blood samples are collected to check for inflammation and urine samples are collected to check for muscle breakdown. The number of calories that the patients burn is measured by monitoring what the patients breathe in and out. Patients’ mobility and independent function are assessed with two questionnaires. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The results of this study will benefit critically ill patients in future by finding the best time to feed them. If essential amino acid supplementation minimises muscle mass loss, patients will benefit from earlier rehabilitation and independence. Blood, urine and breath samples are taken with routine samples to reduce patient discomfort. The essential amino acid supplement is a licensed nutritional supplement. The muscle ultrasound is a non-invasive technique. Where is the study run from? Charing Cross Hospital (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2010 to March 2013 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (UK) Who is the main contact? Miss Liesl Wandrag

Inclusion criteria

• Critical Care

Links

• ictrp
• isrctn