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Gastric Feeding TubeNGTNCT03934515

End-Tidal CO2 (etCO2) and pH in the Correct Naso-gastric Tube Placement

An observational study of Gastric Feeding Tube and Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous, run by Clinica Luganese Moncucco at 1 site in Switzerland.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The laying of a naso-gastric tube is an extremely common event in intensive medicine; although standard naso-gastric tube laying is performed at the patient's bedside, this procedure is not without risk. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
etCO2 and pH
How many people
85 participants
Where
1 siteSwitzerland
Study dates
1 Nov 2020to 1 Aug 2021
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: patients who required a NGT placement in Clinica Luganese Moncucco and in Regional Hospital of Bellinzona who will signed the Informed Consent Form

Who may be able to join

  • Adult patients (> 18 years)
  • Patients male and female
  • Patients intubated by oro- or naso-tracheal way
  • Post-induction curarized patients
  • Fasting patients (from at least 6 hours)

Who cannot join

  • Patient refusal
  • Patients with known bleeding diathesis / ongoing bleeding
  • Patients at risk of bleeding (defined as thrombocytes <50 G/l, fibrinogen <1.0 g/l, international normalized ratio (INR) > 2.5, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 70 sec)
  • Patients with traumatic brain injury / Polytrauma
  • Patients with esophagus-tracheal fistulas or malformations of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) sphere
  • Patients with current or previous radiotherapy of the ENT sphere
  • Patients unable to give their informed consent due to language barriers
  • Women who are pregnant

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Switzerland1 site
  • Clinica Luganese Moncucco

    Lugano, 6900

Other trials in Switzerland

About this study

Official title: Tracheal etCO2 Level and Gastric pH Level Measurements During the Correct Naso-gastric Tube Placement in Unconscious Patients. A Physiological, Prospective, Observational Study

The laying of a naso-gastric tube is an extremely common event in intensive medicine; although standard naso-gastric tube laying is performed at the patient's bedside, this procedure is not without risk. Through the use of methods already used in the clinical field, of daily use, we want to identify the threshold value between tracheal and esophageal etCO2 (group A) and the threshold value between gastric and esophageal pH (group B).

Read the detailed description

Numerous methodologies have been evaluated to recognize the correct positioning of NGT at the gastric level, including different clinical techniques (such as gastric auscultation, aspiration of the NGT), ultrasound techniques, etc. Actually, the diagnostic gold standard is the thoraco-abdominal anterior-posterior radiography, which is considered the only non-invasive method capable to confirm the correct pose of the NGT at intra-diaphragmatic level. This method, however, even if it is non-invasive, requires the use of ionizing radiation (4 micro-Sievert (uSv) for radiography) which could be repeated multiple time for the same patient; NGT may need to be repositioned several times during the same hospital stay, increasing patient exposure to ionizing radiation and, potentially, also the health workers exposure.

The aim is to identify into the group A the threshold value between tracheal and esophageal etCO2 and into the group B the theshold value between gastric and esophageal pH.

Phase A: etCO2 measurement will be collected 1. after intubation, when the tube is inserted into the endotracheal tube, before proceeding with the aspiration of secretions and 2. once the NGT has been inserted, by a probe located at the end of the tube.

Phase B: pH measurement will be collected at the end of the procedure, once the NGT is inserted, at 1.a distance of 25 cm from the mouth (oesophageal site) and at 2. a distance of 40 cm (gastric site), aspirating the gastric contents and measuring on specific litmus paper.

Being tested
etCO2, pH
Keywords
naso-gastric tube, etCO2, pH

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • etCO2Other

    Also called Group A

    At the end of the procedure, therefore, for each patient two values of etCO2 are acquired which will allow to obtain two "populations of values" of the etCO2: the values at the endotracheal level and the esophageal level values. The authors will find the "threshold value" of etCO2 collected when the NGT is well positioned in trachea. The study manager is not directly involved in the measurement and recording of etCO2 values.

  • pHOther

    Also called Phase B

    At the end of the procedure, for each patient two values of pH are acquired which will allow to obtain two pH "value populations": a value at esophageal level and a value at the gastric level. The authors will find the "threshold value" of pH collected when the NGT is positioned in the esophagus and in the stomach. The study manager is not directly involved in the measurement and recording of pH values.

Study groups in NCT03934515
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group A - etCO2At the end of the anaesthesia , as usual, the secretions are aspirated with a suction tube of 18 Fr of caliber (diameter 6 mm). When the tube is inserted into the endotracheal tube, before proceeding with the aspiration of the secretions, a capnometer is attached to its outer end, measuring the etCO2 value for 10-15 seconds. At the end of the measurement, authors proceed with the aspiration of the secretions as usual. Authors then proceed with the laying of a NGT according to local protocols. Also in this case, once the NGT has been inserted, the etCO2 is measured at the end of the probe for 10-15 seconds. At the end of the measurement, the capnometer can be detached, as a standard procedure, and the NGT can be used as usual. At the end of the procedure, therefore, for each patient, two values of etCO2 are acquired which will allow to obtain two "populations of values" of the etCO2: the values recorded at the endotracheal level and the one recorded at the oesophageal level.
Receives: Other: etCO2
Group B - pHAt the end of the anaesthesia , once the NGT is inserted, the pH is measured by aspirating the gastric contents and measuring on specific litmus paper the pH values, both at a distance of 25 cm from the mouth (oesophageal site) and at a distance of 40 cm (gastric site). At the end of the procedure, for each patient two values of pH are acquired which will allow to obtain two pH "value populations": a value at oesophageal level and a value at the gastric level.
Receives: Other: pH

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. etCO2 level

    to find a threshold value of etCO2 collected when the NGT is well positioned in trachea

    Measured: 30-60 seconds

  2. pH

    to find a threshold value of pH collected when the NGT is positioned in the esophagus and in the stomach.

    Measured: 30-60 seconds

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. etCO2 level in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients

    subanalysis for the threshold value in the group with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    Measured: 30-60 seconds

  2. pH in patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

    identify patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and perform a sub-subanalysis for the threshold value in the group with already diagnosed gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

    Measured: 30-60 seconds

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted2 May 2019
  2. Study start1 Nov 2020
  3. Primary completion1 Apr 2021
  4. Study completion1 Aug 2021

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Other
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
85 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03934515
Sponsor's protocol ID
CLM_ICU_001
Acronym
NGT
Status last verified
Oct 2021
First submitted
26 Apr 2019
Last updated
5 Oct 2021
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Bercik P, Schlageter V, Mauro M, Rawlinson J, Kucera P, Armstrong D. Noninvasive verification of nasogastric tube placement using a magnet-tracking system: a pilot study in healthy subjects. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2005 Jul-Aug;29(4):305-10. doi: 10.1177/0148607105029004305.

    PubMed 15961688
  • Nguyen L, Lewiss RE, Drew J, Saul T. A novel approach to confirming nasogastric tube placement in the ED. Am J Emerg Med. 2012 Oct;30(8):1662.e5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.09.010. Epub 2011 Nov 17.

    PubMed 22100480
  • Ozer S, Benumof JL. Oro- and nasogastric tube passage in intubated patients: fiberoptic description of where they go at the laryngeal level and how to make them enter the esophagus. Anesthesiology. 1999 Jul;91(1):137-43. doi: 10.1097/00000542-199907000-00022.

    PubMed 10422939
  • Prasad G, Garg R. The 'bubble technique': an innovative technique for confirming correct nasogastric tube placement. J Clin Anesth. 2011 Feb;23(1):84-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2010.03.006. No abstract available.

    PubMed 21296259
  • Vigneau C, Baudel JL, Guidet B, Offenstadt G, Maury E. Sonography as an alternative to radiography for nasogastric feeding tube location. Intensive Care Med. 2005 Nov;31(11):1570-2. doi: 10.1007/s00134-005-2791-1. Epub 2005 Sep 20.

    PubMed 16172849
  • Chun DH, Kim NY, Shin YS, Kim SH. A randomized, clinical trial of frozen versus standard nasogastric tube placement. World J Surg. 2009 Sep;33(9):1789-92. doi: 10.1007/s00268-009-0144-x.

    PubMed 19626360
  • Fernandez RS, Chau JP, Thompson DR, Griffiths R, Lo HS. Accuracy of biochemical markers for predicting nasogastric tube placement in adults--a systematic review of diagnostic studies. Int J Nurs Stud. 2010 Aug;47(8):1037-46. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.03.015.

    PubMed 20399427
  • Gilbertson HR, Rogers EJ, Ukoumunne OC. Determination of a practical pH cutoff level for reliable confirmation of nasogastric tube placement. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011 Jul;35(4):540-4. doi: 10.1177/0148607110383285. Epub 2011 May 27.

    PubMed 21622643
  • Kim HM, So BH, Jeong WJ, Choi SM, Park KN. The effectiveness of ultrasonography in verifying the placement of a nasogastric tube in patients with low consciousness at an emergency center. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2012 Jun 12;20:38. doi: 10.1186/1757-7241-20-38.

    PubMed 22691418
  • Ceruti S, Dell'Era S, Ruggiero F, Bona G, Glotta A, Biggiogero M, Tasciotti E, Kronenberg C, Lollo G, Saporito A. Nasogastric tube in mechanical ventilated patients: ETCO2 and pH measuring to confirm correct placement. A pilot study. PLoS One. 2022 Jun 2;17(6):e0269024. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269024. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 35653380

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Gastric Feeding Tube and Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous, run by Clinica Luganese Moncucco at 1 site in Switzerland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Oct 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

etCO2 level (time frame: 30-60 seconds). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03934515, which also lists 10 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Oct 2021.

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