Probiotics in Enteral Feeding in Critically Ill Patients

University of Malaya

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 2

Conditions: Gut Failure; Critical Illness; Dietary Modification; Treatment Outcomes; Probiotics

Treatments: Drug: Placebo; Drug: Probiotics

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01792401

PEFCIP

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of probiotics in enteral nutrition on improving gut function, inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Full description

Gut failure in critically ill patients is common. Enteral feeding is one of the preferred routes for nutrition support to maintain gut function. However, enteral nutrition is not without complications such as alterations in gut transit time and gut eco-culture. Enteral nutrition supplemented with a probiotic offers a possible solution to modulating this ecosystem. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotics in enteral feeding on improving the gut function, inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Subjects and Methods: Forty-nine patients that were admitted to the intensive care unit in University Malaya Medical Center requiring enteral feeding were randomized to receive either probiotics or a placebo. Patients remained in the intensive care unit for more than 7 days and were examined prior to the start of enteral feeding and on day 8. Return of gut function was assessed by the time needed to achieve caloric requirement. Inflammatory markers including the White Cell Count and C-reactive protein levels were tested on day 1 and day 8. Clinical outcome was assessed by number of days of ventilation and total days in intensive care unit.

Enrollment: 49 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Admitted to intensive care unit
• Expected stay of more than 48 hours
• On enteral feeding
• Consent obtained from patient/relative

Exclusion criteria

• Patients on immuno-suppressive drugs
• Patients with hematological diseases
• Pregnant females
• Do not consent

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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49 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Patients on enteral feeding in intensive care units are administered a placebo

Treatment:

Drug: Placebo

Probiotics

Active Comparator group

Description:

Patients on enteral feeding in intensive care unit are given a probiotic

Treatment:

Drug: Probiotics