Biofilm differences in different type of nasogastric tubes in neonates
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Randomised Controlled Trial to study the difference in the Biofilm formation in Occluded and Open-Tip nasogastric tubes in Preterm Neonates (BOON Trial)
IRAS ID
294415
Contact name
Shalabh Garg
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Nasogastric tubes in preterm babies
Preterm babies in neonatal units require a number of procedures/equipment for their care and monitoring. Nasogastric (NG) tube insertion is one of the commonest interventions in preterm babies to support their feeding and give other essential medicines. NG tube may be needed from short term (few days) to long term (few months). Although being used extensively, NG tube effects on feed-related complications and microbiological associations are not thoroughly studied.
Nasogastric tubes and biofilm formation:
Vulnerable preterm infants are prone to get infections and a number of preventive strategies are put in place. The literature suggests that microorganism can grow in NG tubes in the form of a biofilm. The biofilm, in simpler terms, is a collection of organisms that can stick or grow on a variety of surfaces, the commonest example being dental plaque or pond scum. Biofilm formation in NG tubes may be a source of infection in babies.
Types of nasogastric tubes:
The most commonly used design of NG tubes in neonates is with the closed-tip. Recently open-tip tubes have become available although there have not been any controlled studies to suggest the advantage of one over the other.The rationale of the Trial:
There are no existent national clinical guidelines on the use of NG tubes in the neonatal population. The design of the NG tube and its effect on the way the liquid (milk and other medicines) travels through it as well as the residual milk in the tube may potentially have an effect on biofilm formation. By doing this trial, we will be able to study these differences in biofilm formation and other feed-related complications. This trial can potentially help clinicians worldwide by creating clinical guidelines as well as provide infection preventive strategies in relation to the use of NG tubes.REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0905
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion