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Neurocritical ConditionsNCT07295301

Protein Intake Dosage on the Prognosis of Neurocritical Patients

A study testing Low-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder), Moderate-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder) and High-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder) in people with Neurocritical Conditions and Traumatic Brain Injury, run by Wenshan City People's Hospital.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study investigates the effect of different early protein supplementation levels (1.0-2.0g/kg/d, divided into three groups) on the prognosis of neurocritical patients, focusing on the 28-day Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score improvement rate. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 80 years
What is being tested?
Low-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder), Moderate-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder) and High-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
216 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
Dec 2025to Oct 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 to 80 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age: 18-80 years old. Disease Diagnosis and Hospitalization: Meets any neurocritical disease diagnosis and requires admission to the neurosurgical ICU for ≥72 hours (based on 2022 Consensus on Chinese Neurosurgical Critical Care).
  • Disease Type (Meet criteria for any one disease):
  • Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS): Diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (sudden neurological deficit like hemiplegia, aphasia, confirmed by CT/MRI) and severe criteria (NIHSS ≥16, large vessel occlusion in internal carotid artery terminal, MCA M1 segment or basilar artery, or ischemic lesion involving >1/3 cerebral hemisphere).
  • Severe Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH): Diagnosed with spontaneous ICH (sudden headache/vomiting/neurological deficit, confirmed by CT) and severe criteria (supratentorial hemorrhage ≥30ml / infratentorial hemorrhage ≥10ml, hemorrhage involving brainstem/diencephalon, or GCS ≤8).
  • Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Diagnosed with TBI (trauma history, CT showing intracranial hematoma/brain contusion/diffuse axonal injury) and severe criteria (GCS 3-8 within 6 hours post-injury, intracranial hematoma ≥20ml (epidural ≥30ml / subdural ≥10ml), or combined brainstem injury).
  • General Neurocritical Inclusion (Meet at least 1):
Show all 12Show fewer
  • Altered consciousness: GCS ≤8 (severe consciousness disorder) or progressive deterioration of consciousness within 24 hours before enrollment (e.g., somnolence→stupor→coma).
  • Respiratory/circulatory instability: Require non-invasive (BiPAP) or invasive mechanical ventilation, or vasoactive drugs (norepinephrine ≥0.1μg/kg/min) to maintain systolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg, or central respiratory rhythm abnormalities (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes respiration, apnea).
  • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP): Invasive ICP monitoring shows sustained ICP >25mmHg, or CT/MRI suggests pre-herniation signs (ventricular compression, midline shift >5mm, sulcal effacement).
  • Severe neurological deficit: Quadriplegia (muscle strength ≤2), swallowing disorder (Watada drinking test ≥IV, high risk of aspiration), status epilepticus (seizure >5 minutes or recurrent seizures >30 minutes without consciousness recovery).
  • Nutritional Support Timing: Initiate enteral nutrition (EN) within 24-48 hours after ICU admission, and expect EN to last ≥5 days.
  • Nutritional Risk: NUTRIC score ≥5 (high nutritional risk) or NRS-2002 score ≥3. Informed Consent: Signed by the patient or legal guardian (signed by guardian for comatose patients, confirmed by the patient after condition improvement).

Who cannot join

  • Terminal Diseases: Diagnosed with advanced malignant tumor (life expectancy <3 months), irreversible vegetative state (persistent ≥1 month), or long-term renal replacement therapy (RRT) planned to last >2 weeks before enrollment.
  • Gastrointestinal Contraindications: Complete intestinal obstruction, massive gastrointestinal bleeding within 24 hours (blood transfusion ≥4U), severe intestinal ischemia, short bowel syndrome (remaining small intestine <100cm).
  • Metabolic Abnormalities: Congenital urea cycle disorder, severe liver failure (Child-Pugh Class C), allergy to the study's enteral nutrition formula (whey protein/short peptide type), uncontrolled diabetes (fasting blood glucose sustained >13.9mmol/L).
  • Others: Participating in other clinical studies on nutritional intervention, or patient/family refuses to participate.

About this study

Official title: A Clinical Applied Study on the Impact of Different Early Protein Supplementation Levels on the Prognosis of Neurocritical Patients

This study investigates the effect of different early protein supplementation levels (1.0-2.0g/kg/d, divided into three groups) on the prognosis of neurocritical patients, focusing on the 28-day Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score improvement rate. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive varying protein doses, and their short-term (28-day mortality, ICU stay, complications) and long-term (90-day mortality, readmission rate) clinical outcomes will also be compared.

Read the detailed description

This single-center randomized trial enrolls neurocritical patients (e.g., severe brain injury, stroke) who have been in the ICU for ≥72 hours. Participants are randomly assigned to three groups with different early protein supplementation levels (1.0-1.2g/kg/d, 1.3-1.5g/kg/d, ≥1.6g/kg/d) for 14 days. The primary outcome is the 28-day Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score improvement rate (defined as GCS ≥13 or an absolute increase of ≥3 points from baseline). We also assess short-term (28-day mortality, ICU/hospital stay, ventilator-associated pneumonia) and long-term (90-day mortality, readmission rate, tracheostomy rate) clinical results. Data will be collected prospectively to find the optimal protein dose for neurocritical patients.

Being tested
Low-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder), Moderate-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder), High-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)
Keywords
neurocritical care, protein supplementation, Glasgow Coma Scale, randomized controlled trial, ICU, nutrition
Medical subject headings
Brain Injuries, Traumatic, Ischemic Stroke

What participants receive

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

  • Low-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)Dietary supplement

    This intervention provides enteral protein supplementation for neurocritical patients in the ICU, using enteral nutrition formulas (in powder or emulsion form). When the protein dosage of the enteral nutrition formula is insufficient, whey protein powder is added; intravenous amino acids are used as an alternative only when patients refuse whey protein powder supplementation. The intervention is initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission, with the protein dosage adjusted gradually: 0.2-0.8 g/kg/d from day 1 to day 4, 0.8-1.0 g/kg/d from day 5 to day 7, and then maintained at 1.0-1.2 g/kg/d from day 8 to day 14. It is administered daily via oral intake or tube feeding.

  • Moderate-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)Dietary supplement

    Enteral protein supplementation for neurocritical patients in the ICU, using enteral nutrition formulas (including powders or emulsions). Whey protein powder is added when the protein dosage of the enteral nutrition formula is insufficient. Initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission, with dosage adjusted gradually: 0.2-0.8 g/kg/d from day 1 to day 4, 0.8-1.0 g/kg/d from day 5 to day 7, and then maintained at 1.3-1.5 g/kg/d from day 8 to day 14. Administered via oral intake or tube feeding, daily.

  • High-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)Dietary supplement

    Enteral protein supplementation for neurocritical patients in the ICU, using enteral nutrition formulas (including powders or emulsions). Whey protein powder is added when the protein dosage of the enteral nutrition formula is insufficient. Initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission, with dosage adjusted gradually: 0.2-0.8 g/kg/d from day 1 to day 4, 0.8-1.0 g/kg/d from day 5 to day 7, and then maintained at above 1.6 g/kg/d from day 8 to day 14. Administered via oral intake or tube feeding, daily.

Study groups in NCT07295301
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Low-Dose Protein Supplementation Group (1.0-1.2 g/kg/d)ExperimentalEnteral nutrition is initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission. From day 1 to day 4, protein dosage is 0.2-0.8 g/kg/d, energy is 5-10 kcal/kg/d. From day 5 to day 7, dosage is gradually increased, with protein dosage 0.8-1.0 g/kg/d, energy 15-20 kcal/kg/d. From day 8 to day 14, participants receive protein supplementation at 1.0-1.2 g/kg/d via enteral nutrition. Observation period lasts 14 days.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Low-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)
Moderate-Dose Protein Supplementation Group (1.3-1.5 g/kg/d)ExperimentalEnteral nutrition is initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission. From day 1 to day 4, protein dosage is 0.2-0.8 g/kg/d, energy is 5-10 kcal/kg/d. From day 5 to day 7, dosage is gradually increased, with protein dosage 0.8-1.0 g/kg/d, energy 15-20 kcal/kg/d. From day 8 to day 14, participants receive protein supplementation at 1.3-1.5 g/kg/d via enteral nutrition. Observation period lasts 14 days.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Moderate-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)
High-Dose Protein Supplementation Group (Above 1.6 g/kg/d)ExperimentalEnteral nutrition is initiated within 48 hours of ICU admission. From day 1 to day 4, protein dosage is 0.2-0.8 g/kg/d, energy is 5-10 kcal/kg/d. From day 5 to day 7, dosage is gradually increased, with protein dosage 0.8-1.0 g/kg/d, energy 15-20 kcal/kg/d. From day 8 to day 14, participants receive protein supplementation at above 1.6 g/kg/d via enteral nutrition. Observation period lasts 14 days.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: High-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder)

What is being measured

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

  1. Improvement Rate of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score at 28 Days

    Assesses the proportion of ICU neurocritical patients with significant consciousness improvement at 28 days, defined as GCS score ≥13. Baseline GCS (T0) is measured on the enrollment day after vital signs stabilize (e.g., ICP ≤25mmHg, no persistent seizures). The 28-day GCS (T28) is evaluated within 28±3 days: in-hospital patients are scored by neurologists; discharged patients are scored via outpatient visit or structured telephone interview with family. Patients who die within 28 days or have GCS <13 / GCS increase <3 are defined as "not improved".

    Measured: 28 days

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. 28-Day Mortality

    Assesses the proportion of ICU neurocritical patients who die within 28 days after enrollment. Death events are confirmed via medical records and follow-up interviews.

    Measured: 28 days

Timeline

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

  1. First posted19 Dec 2025
  2. Study startDec 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionJun 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completionOct 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

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

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants are randomly assigned to three parallel groups, each receiving different protein supplementation regimens, with outcomes compared simultaneously.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
216 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07295301
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025AE003
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
7 Dec 2025
Last updated
19 Dec 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Low-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder), Moderate-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder) and High-Dose Enteral Protein Supplementation (Enteral Nutrition Formulas + Whey Protein Powder) in people with Neurocritical Conditions and Traumatic Brain Injury, run by Wenshan City People's Hospital.

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 12 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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?

Improvement Rate of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score at 28 Days (time frame: 28 days). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
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 19 Dec 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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