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Enhanced Protein Intake to Support Muscle Protein Synthesis in ICU
Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center
Summary
Rationale - Critically ill patients often experience severe skeletal muscle wasting due to an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and degradation, contributing to long-term impairments such as ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Effective interventions to mitigate muscle wasting remain a critical unmet need. Protein intake has been identified as a potential modulator of MPS, but anabolic resistance and conflicting evidence regarding optimal protein intake necessitate further investigation. Objective/Hypothesis - This study aims to evaluate the effect of a normal (target: 0.8 g protein/kg/day) versus elevated (target: 1.3 g protein/kg/day) protein intake on MPS rates over four days in critically ill patients. Population - 26 critically ill patients who are suitable for enteral nutrition, mechanically ventilated (min 3 days), and stay at the ICU for at least 7 days will be included. Method: Patients are randomly assigned to two groups (normal or higher protein intake). Muscle biopsies and blood samples will be collected to assess muscle protein synthesis rates.
Official title: Increased Protein Amount as a Nutritional Strategy to Enhance Muscle Protein Synthesis in ICU Patients
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
26
Start Date
2025-09-01
Completion Date
2028-09
Last Updated
2025-12-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Nutritionally complete Tube Feed with standard protein levels
Containing standard protein levels to target normal protein amount of 0.8 g of protein/kg body weight/day
Nutritionally complete Tube Feed with higher protein levels
Containing higher protein levels to target elevated protein amount of 1.3 g of protein/kg body weight/day.
Locations (1)
Jessa Hospital Campus Virga Jesse
Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium