A Randomized Trial of Cardiac Catheterization With Fasting Versus Liberal Oral Intake: The CALORI Trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Trials
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Routine preprocedural fasting before cardiac catheterization lacks robust evidence.
• Current practice often involves standardized nil per os (NPO) regimens.
• This study investigated a liberal nonfasting strategy versus NPO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient well-being under a nonfasting strategy versus a standard NPO regimen.
• To assess the impact of preprocedural diet on patient-reported outcomes.
• To evaluate the safety and satisfaction associated with both strategies.

Main Methods:

• Adult inpatients undergoing cardiac catheterization were randomized to nonfasting or NPO.
• Patient-reported well-being scores (hunger, fatigue, anxiety, nausea) were the primary endpoint.
• Periprocedural adverse events and postprocedural satisfaction were also assessed.

Main Results:

• The nonfasting group reported significantly better preprocedural well-being, including lower hunger, fatigue, and nausea.
• No significant differences in adverse events were observed between the nonfasting and NPO groups.
• Postprocedural satisfaction was significantly higher in the nonfasting group.

Conclusions:

• A liberal nonfasting strategy improves patient well-being and satisfaction prior to cardiac catheterization.
• This approach does not compromise procedural safety.
• Routine fasting before cardiac catheterization should be reconsidered based on these findings.