[Drug-resistant epilepsy treated with ketogenic diet]

A 4-year old girl affected by intractable seizures was treated with ketogenic diet. The diet was calculated to provide appropriate protein intake for growth (1.4 g/kg body weight) and adequate calories (1600 kcal) derived from 4 parts fat and 1 part protein + carbohydrates. The child remained on the diet for 8 months and had a decrease in seizure frequency of 90%. No serious side effects were reported and it was possible to discontinue or decrease antiepileptic drugs. Our results confirm the efficacy of ketogenic diet in the treatment of epilepsy. Since it is known that 20 to 30% of all patients with epilepsy do not have their seizures completely controlled with established antiepileptic drugs, it would be useful to increase the application of this dietetic treatment in selected patients in Italy as it already happens in other countries.