[Experience with ketogenic diet as treatment for refractory epilepsy]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Dietetics
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Epilepsy affects many, with 25% experiencing refractory cases unresponsive to standard antiepileptic drugs.
• The ketogenic diet is an established alternative therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.
• Lack of international consensus on ketogenic diet indications and management exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy, tolerability, and adverse effects of the ketogenic diet in refractory epilepsy patients.
• Evaluate long-term outcomes of ketogenic diet therapy over a 20-year period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 30 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with a ketogenic diet.
• Data collected from Neurology and Nutrition Services follow-up records.

Main Results:

• A positive response, defined as >6 months of seizure reduction, was observed in 35.7% of patients.
• Of responders, 50% experienced 50-75% seizure reduction, and 50% had >75% reduction.
• Common short-term adverse effects included diarrhea, vomiting, and hypoglycemia; long-term effects were constipation and weight gain.

Conclusions:

• The ketogenic diet demonstrates positive seizure control in a significant portion of refractory epilepsy cases.
• Adverse effects are generally preventable or treatable, allowing for continued therapy.
• It serves as a valuable therapeutic option, particularly when surgery is not feasible or other aggressive treatments have failed.