The use of a formula-based ketogenic diet in children with refractory epilepsy

Abstract

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a nonpharmacologic treatment that has been used for refractory epilepsy since 1921. The KD is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and restricted protein diet, which is calculated and weighed for each individual patient. Introducing and maintaining the diet for a long time remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluated the acceptability, tolerance, and efficacy of a formula-based KD in 10 children with refractory epilepsy. The ketogenic formula tested herein caused only mild KD-related adverse events and adequate adherence. Moreover, 60% of patients had more than 50% seizure frequency reduction and 10% were seizure-free.Keywords: ketogenic diet; epilepsy; diet therapy RESUMO A dieta cetogênica (DC) é um tratamento não farmacológico utilizado para epilepsia refratária desde 1921. A DC possui um alto teor de gordura, sendo restrita em carboidratos e adequada em proteínas, calculada e pesada para cada paciente. A introdução e manutenção da DC por um tempo prolongado permanece um desafio. Neste estudo foi avaliada a aceitação, tolerância e eficácia da DC baseada em fórmula em 10 crianças com epilepsia refratária. A DC apresentou adequada aderência e efeitos adversos leves. Além disso, 60% dos pacientes apresentaram mais de 50 % de redução frequência das crises e 10% ficaram livres de crises.

Efficacy and safety of a ketogenic diet in children with drug-resistant epilepsy

“…In our study, 83.70% patients followed a 2:1 KD ratio, and 78.26% responded to the KD by the rst month of treatment. Our ndings are consistent with those of some previous studies [10][11][12][13] but different from others [14,15] . Our study included a greater number of children who exhibited improvement and whose seizures were managed while following the 2:1 KD ratio.…”

Therapeutic Effects of Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Epilepsy

“…KDT (formula-based) was given to 10 refractory epileptic children. Results suggested only mild side effects and satisfactory adherence, 50% decrease in seizures were observed in 60% patients and 10% patients became seizure free on KDT (Sampaio, Takakura, & Manreza, 2017), which is also supported by other studies (Martin-McGill, Jenkinson, Smith, & Marson, 2017).…”

Ketogenic diet: a promising alternative nonpharmacology treatment for pediatric epilepsy

“…From Sampaio et al, it was said in the study that KD is effective in reducing the frequency of seizures and improving cognition and the quality of life of patients. 10…”

“…From Sampaio et al study, it can be seen that after three months, the responder rate (more than 50% seizure frequency reduction) was 6/10 (60%) and 10% of patients were seizure-free. 10…”

“…1 Sampaio et al, report that in their study, the most frequently reported adverse effects were hunger, constipation, and hypoactivity. 10…”