Rapid skeletal muscle wasting during critical illness had a detrimental impact on both short and long term outcomes following ICU admission. Increased dietary protein delivery might attenuate skeletal muscle wasting and its subsequent effects on post-ICU function.
The investigators will conduct a 935 patient, randomised controlled, quadruple blinded parallel group trial to determine whether enteral nutrition with increased protein content in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients is able to improve functional recovery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adult (18 years or above) patient admitted to the ICU
* Unplanned ICU admission
* Invasive mechanical ventilation initiated \<24 hours of ICU admission
* Expected ICU stay on ventilator support of 3 days or more
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contraindication for enteral nutrition
* Moribund or expected withholding of treatment
* Kidney failure AND 'no-dialysis'-code on admission
* Hepatic encephalopathy.(West Haven grade 3 or 4)
* Body-mass index \< 18 kg/m2
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL)
Timeframe: Day 0, Day 30, 90 and 180 after index ICU admission.