Resolution of vesicoureteral reflux in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction after interferential electrical stimulation therapy: A case series

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of transabdominal interferential (IF) electrical stimulation for children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Materials and methods: A total of 12 neurologically intact children diagnosed with LUTD and concomitant VUR underwent transabdominal IF electrical stimulation for 10 sessions, 20 minutes per session, twice a week. All the children received standard urotherapy, consisting of diet modification, adequate hydration, scheduled voiding, toilet training, and pelvic floor muscle exercise. Complete clinical evaluations were performed for each patient before the initiation of treatment, immediately after the last session, and 6 months after the termination of treatment. Results: A total of 12 children (83.3% female, mean age: 7.8 ± 2.2 years) with VUR and simultaneous LUTD were treated. Seven patients had unilateral VUR, and 5 others had bilateral VUR, resulting in a total of 17 diseased ureters. VUR resolved in 12 of 17 (70.6%) diseased ureters ( P < 0.001). Urinary tract infection rate significantly decreased after treatment (0.0%) compared with before treatment (100.0%, P < 0.001). Urine volume, post-void residual volume, and maximum urinary flow rate demonstrated statistically significant increase after treatment ( P = 0.030, 0.015, and 0.018, respectively). Conclusion: The findings suggest that IF electrical stimulation may be effective in improving VUR in children with underlying LUTD, warranting further investigation into its efficiency for VUR treatment.