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Study identifier: NCT06510972 Synced from ClinicalTrials.gov · July 29, 2026
● Recruiting

Non-inferiority of Continuing Oral Intake Versus Fasting in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure

Condition: Respiratory Insufficiency · Fasting · Dysphagia  ·  Sponsor: University Hospital, Tours

PhaseNA
Planned participants754
Who can joinAll sexes, 18 Years to no upper limit
Healthy volunteersNo

About this study

Fasting in intensive care is mainly studied in mechanically ventilated patients or those in the weaning phase. Recent research challenge the common assumption of fasting and suggests that continuing enteral nutrition before extubation may be beneficial. Fasting is also practiced before procedures (e.g., tracheostomy, endoscopy) or surgeries, based on anesthetic guidelines. Yet, no data address fasting in non-intubated ICU patients with acute respiratory failure, despite frequent caloric deficits and inadequate nutritional intake. Aspiration risk often justifies fasting, but studies indicate that swallowing reflexes remain intact in patients receiving high-flow nasal oxygen or non-invasive ventilation. Moreover, although intubation carries a 2-5.9% aspiration risk, rapid sequence induction mitigates this, questioning the necessity of preventive fasting. Despite its prevalence, this practice lacks scientific validation and guideline support. Patient discomfort is also significant. Hunger and thirst are major sources of distress, and evidence from anesthesiology suggests that allowing fluid intake pre-anesthesia reduces discomfort. Extrapolating these findings to ICU patients could improve well-being. In conclusion, fasting in ICU patients may contribute to discomfort, dehydration, and malnutrition, while its protective benefits remain uncertain. We hypothesize that maintaining oral intake does not increase the risk of intubation or aspiration-related complications.

This description comes directly from the study's public registry record.

Talk to the study team

Piotr SZYCHOWIAK, MD  ·  2.38.22.95.58  ·  piotr.szychowiak@gmail.com

Always discuss trial participation with your own doctor first.

Locations (14)

Intensive care, University Hospital, BloisBlois, FranceNot Yet Recruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, BourgesBourges, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, ColombesColombes, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, DreuxDreux, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, La Roche sur YonLa Roche-sur-Yon, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, Le MANSLe Mans, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, LilleLille, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, MorlaixMorlaix, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, NantesNantes, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, University Hospital, OrléansOrléans, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, poitiersPoitiers, FranceRecruiting
Intensive care, Hospital, Saint BrieucSaint-Brieuc, FranceRecruiting

+ 2 more locations — full list on the registry record.

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Source record: clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06510972