This was a multicenter randomized controlled study of 98 severe Traumatic Brain Injury patients with tracheostomy. Patients enrolled were divided randomly into the observation group with Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding (n=50) or the control group with Nasogastric tube feeding (n=48) for enteral nutrition support, respectively. Nutritional status, complications, decannulation of tracheostomy tubes and level of consciousness on day 1 and day 28 were recorded and compared.
The safe and effective nutrition support for severe traumatic brain injury patients with tracheostomy continues to be a challenge. Nasogastric tube feeding has been the mainstream choice in China but with the risk of complications. Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding is an established modality of enteral nutrition support that can be used with routine treatment. This study reports the clinical outcomes of Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding vs. nasogastric tube feeding, in patients receiving routine treatment. This was a multicenter randomized controlled study of 98 severe traumatic brain injury patients with tracheostomy. Patients enrolled were divided randomly into the observation group with Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding (n=50) or the control group with Nasogastric tube feeding (n=48) for enteral nutrition support, respectively. Nutritional status, complications, decannulation of tracheostomy tubes and level of consciousness on day 1 and day 28 were recorded and compared.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
104
Acupuncture: Regular acupuncture treatment that can prevent muscle atrophy, improve circulation, and have a stimulating effect. Exercise therapy: Training that focused on limb movements or joint mobilization to prevent muscle contracture, reduce joint mobility, improve spasms, and promote blood circulation. Others: Regular turning, back patting, and position changes performed by caregivers.
Based on this, the patients in the observation group were given nutrition support with Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding (Medical Device No. 20010234, developed by the Swallowing Disorders Research Institute of Zhengzhou University). The entire feeding process strictly followed the standard procedure of Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding(18). During the feeding process, patients were maintained in a semi-recumbent position with their head elevated, facilitating the placement of the tube into the oral cavity along one side, with the chin brought close to the manubrium sterni.
Zheng Da yi Yuan Hospital
Zhenzhou, Hena, China
Concentration of hemoglobin
hemoglobin was tested with blood routine test
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Concentration of albumin
albumin was tested with blood routine test
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Concentration of prealbumin
prealbumin was tested with blood routine test
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Nutritional status-body mass index
body mass index was tested with body weight and height. Combination was calculated as: body weight (kg) / height (m)\^2.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Pulmonary Infections
During the treatment, the occurrence of complications was recorded for both groups(24). These complications included but were not limited to: 1) Pulmonary Infections: Monitoring for the development of respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux: Assessing the occurrence of reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, which can cause symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Observing for any signs of bleeding within the digestive tract, which may manifest as blood in the stool or vomiting of blood.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Gastric Retention
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The patients in the control group were provided nutrition support with Nasogastric tube feeding, while the feeding process strictly followed the relevant guideline. During the treatment, the patients remained in a continuous state of tube indwelling, receiving feeding every 2-3 hours with a maximum feeding volume of 200ml, of which the contents were consistent with the observation group. The entire feeding process was conducted by trained nursing staff. Besides, the tube was replaced by a new one every 5-7 days.
Evaluating whether there was delayed emptying of the stomach contents, leading to symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Diarrhea
Monitoring for loose or watery stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal disturbances or medication side effects.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Decannulation of tracheostomy tube-placement duration
The duration of tracheostomy tube retention and the outcomes of decannulation were recorded for two groups during the treatment. The criteria for tracheostomy tube removal were as follows: patients should exhibit no significant pulmonary complications (including the progressive decline in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide retention, pneumonia, etc.) during the capping trial, and should exhibit stable, regular breath and not require reintubation or tracheostomy within 72 hours after tube removal.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28
Level of consciousness
The Glasgow Coma Scale was used to assess the level of consciousness in patients. A score of 15 indicates normal consciousness, a score of 13-14 indicates mild consciousness impairment, a score of 9-12 indicates moderate consciousness impairment, and a score less than 8 indicates severe consciousness impairment.
Time frame: day 1 and day 28