{
  "abstract": "Gastrointestinal dystonia (GID) in children with neurological impairment present with symptoms such as pain, retching, and vomiting linked to feeding and bowel habits. Interferential therapy (IFT), a low-frequency electrical treatment traditionally used for muscle pain, was applied in three resistant cases of GID, showing potential in alleviating gastrointestinal pain and distress. A 4-year-old with Phelan McDermid syndrome, developmental delay, and hydrocephalus presented with vomiting, crying, and constipation which was unresponsive to pharmacological treatments. After initiating IFT alongside existing therapies, the child experienced reduced pain, vomiting, and constipation, allowing discontinuation of some medications, with sustained improvements in bowel regularity and nutritional status. Another 13-year-old with brainstem ganglioglioma suffered from progressive neurological and autonomic dysfunction, including vomiting, unsafe swallowing, and bowel irregularities, despite prior surgical and medical interventions. IFT improved bowel function, PEG-J feed tolerance, and enabled discontinuation of parenteral nutrition, although recent abdominal pain required further medical attention. A 12-year-old with Trisomy 12 mosaic, GERD, and chronic gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal distention and constipation, showed initial improvements in bowel function and enteral feed tolerance after starting IFT. However, symptoms returned after three months, leading to the cessation of IFT and resumption of parenteral nutrition, with motility studies revealing small bowel neuropathy and colonic inertia. This case series underscores the potential of IFT in managing GID in pediatric patients with complex neurological conditions, demonstrating symptom improvement without adverse effects. While responses varied, further research into IFT’s efficacy and limitations is recommended.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Gastroenterology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Sehrish Mukhtar Cheema"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Gastroenterology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham"
      ],
      "name": "Lisa Whyte"
    }
  ],
  "title": "OC75 Interferential therapy for treatment-resistant symptoms of GI dystonias: a case series",
  "uid": "d1e29908-a651-5546-b745-196ff82ca1ef"
}