Clinical Research Directory

Feeding Maturity in Preterm Infants

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of two pacifier-use strategies-routine 5-minute pacifier use prior to each feeding versus random 30-minute pacifier use at any time of day, independent of feeding-on feeding maturity in preterm infants. The hypotheses of the study are as follows: H1: The routine use of a pacifier prior to feeding has a positive effect on feeding maturity in preterm infants. H2: The routine use of a pacifier prior to feeding has a positive effect on discharge weight in preterm infants. H3: The routine use of a pacifier prior to feeding has a positive effect on the length of hospital stay in preterm infants. H4: The routine use of a pacifier prior to feeding has a positive effect on the gestational age at discharge in preterm infants.

Effect of Developmental Care on Comfort, Growth, and Oral Feeding Transition in Preterm Infants

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of kangaroo care combined with maternal voice and fetal positioning on the comfort, growth, and transition to full oral feeding in preterm infants aged 30 to 34 weeks gestation. After ethical approval, eligible infants in the neonatal clinic will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving kangaroo care, maternal voice, and fetal positioning, or a control group receiving only fetal positioning in the incubator. The intervention involves daily one-hour kangaroo care sessions with maternal storytelling, followed by positioning in the lateral fetal posture, continuing at least five days per week until infants achieve full oral feeding. Infant comfort will be assessed regularly using the Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale before feeding, immediately after kangaroo care, and after fetal positioning. Growth parameters, including weight, length, and head circumference, will be measured and recorded on kangaroo care days. The control group will receive routine fetal positioning without kangaroo care, with identical measurements taken. The study aims to determine whether kangaroo care combined with maternal voice and fetal positioning improves infant comfort, supports growth, and facilitates the transition to full oral feeding in preterm newborns.

mNEED: a Multicentre, Cluster-randomized, Controlled Trial

Project Name: Improved Feeding Regimen for Critically Ill Patients (mNEED) Based on Feeding Intolerance Prediction Model Solution version number and version date: Version 5.0; 2024.12.16 Informed consent version number and version date: Version 1.0; 2023.10.19 Dear Patient, Recently, the department participated in a nationwide study to develop nutrition protocols for critically ill patients. Participation in a "Modified Feeding Regimen for Critically Ill Patients Based on a Predictive Model of Feeding Intolerance in Critically Ill Patients (mNEED): a multicenter, cohort randomized, controlled trial" is being invited. Before deciding whether to participate in the study, it is important to read the following information carefully to understand the clinical treatment study, its purpose, procedures, duration, and potential benefits, discomforts, and risks. If desired, the information can be discussed with relatives, friends, or the attending physician to assist in making an informed decision. For any questions, please direct them to the physician in charge of the study. I. Introduction of Clinical Trials Research Background and Purpose Leading international evidence-based guidelines consistently recommend early targeted nutritional therapy for critically ill patients. However, multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) evaluating the impact of implementing these guidelines have not demonstrated patient benefit. In 2022, Ke et al. proposed evidence-based Feeding Guidelines for Critically Ill Patients (NEED), which provided a specific feeding regimen for nutritional therapy in critically ill patients. The results suggested that the NEED group initiated enteral nutrition (EN) earlier and reduced the use of overall parenteral nutrition (PN). However, the NEED feeding strategies did not reduce the incidence of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients. In previous studies, a predictive model of feeding intolerance (NOFI) in critically ill patients was constructed, demonstrating good predictive power. Therefore, the NEED feeding program will be improved (mNEED) based on NOFI to reduce the occurrence of feeding intolerance (FI) while ensuring the nutritional needs of critically ill patients are met. Research Process Research Funds: All treatment methods involved in this study follow conventional treatment procedures, without additional interventions or charges. Study Content: This study is conducted by the Department of Intensive Care Medicine of the First Hospital of Jilin University, with 2,250 patients expected to be enrolled from ICUs in 90 hospitals nationwide. This study is a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial, where each center is randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Data will be summarized and analyzed statistically. Possible Risks This study involves an improvement in the feeding strategy for critically ill patients and will not cause additional risks. In the event of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, symptomatic management will be provided promptly. Subject Benefits All participants in the study will be examined and treated by clinically experienced physicians, who will address questions and provide timely and thoughtful medical services. Participation may lead to improved conditions, and the results of this study may benefit other patients with similar conditions. Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal Before the trial, a detailed understanding of the clinical trial is encouraged. The hospital and the attending physician are obligated to provide information related to the clinical trial and address any concerns. Participation in the clinical trial treatment is voluntary. Duty of Confidentiality Medical records (including medical history, physical examination reports, and laboratory results) will be securely stored in the hospital. Access to these records will be limited to physicians (researchers), professional academic committees, ethics committees, and health supervision and management departments. Any public reporting of the study results will not disclose personal identities. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of personal medical information to the extent permitted by law.