Endoscope-guided nasoenteric feeding improves sleep quality in ICU patients: a retrospective study
Abstract
Poor sleep and circadian disruption are pervasive in critically ill adults receiving enteral nutrition. Whether feeding-tube placement technique influences these physiological outcomes is unknown. Disposable endoscope-guided tubes provide real-time visualization and might improve both procedural performance and downstream sleep–circadian biology. In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, we analysed 32 adults requiring nasoenteric feeding, 16 managed with a disposable endoscopic visual tube and 16 with conventional blind tubes. Baseline demographic, clinical, nutritional, and laboratory characteristics were comparable. The primary endpoint was first-attempt catheterization success confirmed by radiography. Secondary endpoints included overall success, catheterization time, operator ratings, 48-h safety, polysomnography- and actigraphy-derived sleep metrics, and circadian markers (including dim-light melatonin onset [DLMO], relative amplitude, and interdaily stability). Endoscopic guidance improved first-attempt success (15/16 [93.8%] vs. 10/16 [62.5%]; p = 0.03) and shortened catheterization time (6.2 ± 1.3 vs. 8.5 ± 2.1 min; p = 0.004). Operators rated intubation smoother (4.6 ± 0.5 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7; p = 0.002) and more convenient (4.7 ± 0.5 vs. 4.0 ± 0.6; p = 0.003). Vital signs, haemoglobin, creatinine, adverse events, and device defects did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Sleep–circadian outcomes showed higher sleep efficiency (82.0 ± 6.7% vs. 69.0 ± 9.7%),…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 32 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.