Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation Improves Weight and Other Anthropometric Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Functional Dyspepsia Who Restrict Their Oral Intake

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD), a disorder of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI), can result in restricted eating habits with associated weight loss. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS), a minimally invasive non-pharmacologic approach, can improve abdominal pain and psychological functioning in children with DGBI. We aimed to analyze changes in anthropometric measures, nutritional intake, and clinical outcomes with PENFS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with FD (9-28 years) who restricted oral intake and underwent PENFS. We analyzed validated questionnaires used during treatment. Anthropometric data were also assessed during and after 3 months of treatment. Results were analyzed through linear mixed modeling as least square means. KEY RESULTS: Ninety patients reported restricted oral intake, 42% had baseline weight loss and 13% requiring enteral support. Oral intake (p = 0.001), weight (p = 0.02) and BMI (p = 0.002) significantly increased after PENFS. Abdominal pain, nausea, functional disability, depression, and somatization also improved after PENFS. Increased weight Z scores were associated with lower nausea, pain catastrophizing, and depression. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: PENFS improved oral intake, weight, and other anthropometric measures in addition to GI and psychological measures in patients with FD. Changes in anthropometrics were sustained at 3-month follow up. PENFS may be an effective treatment for patients with FD, including children, and restrictive eating to optimize nutritional outcomes. Future studies should include prospective clinical trials and investigate the mechanism of action of PENFS on eating habits.