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Seizure control and biochemical profile on the ketogenic diet in young children with refractory epilepsy--Indian

Suvasini Sharma1, Sheffali Gulati, Veena Kalra

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Seizure
|May 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The ketogenic diet (KD) effectively reduced seizures in young Indian children with refractory epilepsy. This treatment was well-tolerated, though medical supervision is essential for managing side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Metabolic Therapies
  • Epilepsy Management

Background:

  • Refractory epilepsy poses significant challenges in pediatric populations.
  • The ketogenic diet (KD) is an established alternative therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and tolerability of the KD in young Indian children with refractory epilepsy.
  • To evaluate biochemical and lipid profile changes associated with KD therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Enrolled children aged 6 months to 5 years with daily or near-daily seizures despite antiepileptic drug treatment.
  • Implemented a non-fasting gradual initiation protocol for KD.
  • Monitored seizure frequency, biochemical parameters, and adverse effects over a minimum of 12 months.

Main Results:

  • 48% of children experienced over 50% seizure reduction, with 15% seizure-free at 6 months.
  • At 1 year, 37% showed over 50% seizure reduction, and 18.5% were seizure-free.
  • Common adverse effects included constipation (74%), weight loss (14.8%), with notable biochemical changes like reduced serum albumin and increased urinary calcium-creatinine ratio.

Conclusions:

  • The ketogenic diet is a viable and effective treatment for refractory epilepsy in young Indian children.
  • Careful medical supervision is crucial to manage adverse effects and ensure treatment safety.
Abstract

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