Home-Based Transabdominal Interferential Electrical Stimulation for Six Months Improves Paediatric Slow Transit...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Medical Device Technology
• Clinical Trial Research

Background:

• Slow-transit constipation (STC) in children is a challenging condition.
• Previous transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) studies showed limited improvement over 1-2 months.
• Optimal TES treatment duration for pediatric STC remains unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of six months of daily TES for treatment-resistant pediatric STC.
• To determine if prolonged TES improves constipation symptoms and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of children with STC confirmed by nuclear transit study (NTS).
• Daily TES (1 hour/day for 6 months) using a portable stimulator and electrodes.
• Bowel diaries and Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) questionnaires used for data collection.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in defecation frequency (91% of patients) and reduction in soiling and abdominal pain.
• Enhanced spontaneous urge to defecate, improved quality of life scores, and positive changes in NTS parameters.
• 91% of patients experienced increased bowel movement frequency, with a notable rise in those achieving 3+ bowel movements per week.

Conclusions:

• Daily TES for six months is effective for treatment-resistant pediatric STC.
• Home-based TES using portable devices offers a viable treatment option.
• Prolonged TES provides clinically significant benefits for chronic constipation symptoms and patient well-being.