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Published on: June 20, 2020
The ketogenic diet and the QT interval
Suvasini Sharma1, Sheffali Gulati
1Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Shri Aurobindo Marg Street, New Delhi 110029, India.
Summary
The ketogenic diet did not significantly alter the corrected QT interval in children with refractory epilepsy. This study found no evidence of cardiac rhythm changes, including arrhythmias, during ketogenic diet therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cardiac complications, such as prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes, are rarely reported with ketogenic diet use.
- The specific impact of the ketogenic diet on QT interval has not been systematically evaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effect of the classic ketogenic diet on the corrected QT interval in children with refractory epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven children (6 months to 5 years) with refractory epilepsy were enrolled.
- Electrocardiograms were obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after initiating the ketogenic diet.
- Patients received oral calcium and selenium supplementation.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes in the corrected QT interval were observed over the 12-month study period.
- No ST segment changes or dysrhythmias were detected in any electrocardiograms throughout the study.
Conclusions:
- The classic ketogenic diet, when supplemented with calcium and selenium, appears safe concerning cardiac repolarization in pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy.
- Further research may be warranted to confirm these findings in larger, diverse pediatric populations.
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