Validating nasogastric tube placement with pH testing: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Enteral nutrition (EN) is crucial when oral feeding is not feasible.
• Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) facilitate rapid nutrient delivery but require accurate placement confirmation.
• Current methods like chest radiography pose radiation risks and delays; pH testing has reliability issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of an electronic pH meter for optimizing nasogastric tube (NGT) placement in patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN).
• To evaluate patient tolerance and safety of NGT insertion using pH testing.
• To explore the potential of advanced NGTs and electronic pH meters in improving EN management.

Main Methods:

• A single-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 150 patients requiring EN.
• Patients will be divided into three groups, each using different NGTs.
• Placement verified by pH testing and chest radiography; tolerance and complications assessed.

Main Results:

• Data collection is anonymous via a secure electronic database.
• The study aims to compare the accuracy and efficiency of pH testing against traditional radiography for NGT placement.
• Analysis will include patient tolerance, complication rates, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• This research introduces innovative technologies to optimize EN delivery and NGT verification.
• The study seeks to establish pH testing as a primary method for NGT placement, reducing reliance on X-rays.
• Findings may enhance patient safety, reduce healthcare costs, and improve process sustainability in nutritional therapy.