Can we predict efficacy of the ketogenic diet in children with refractory epilepsy?. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vehmeijer, Florianne O.L.; van der Louw, Elles J.T.M.; Arts, Willem F.M.; Catsman-Berrevoets, Coriene E.; Neuteboom, Rinze F.
• Is Part Of: European journal of paediatric neurology. Volume 19:Number 6(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 701
• Page End: 705
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Pediatric neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Child -- Periodicals; Infant -- Periodicals; Neurologie pédiatrique -- Périodiques; Pediatric neurology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.928
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2015.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-3798

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sectitle0015">Background</title> <p id="abspara0010">The ketogenic diet (KD) can be effective in reducing seizures in children. Predictors of success have not been identified yet.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0020">Aims</title> <p id="abspara0015">To evaluate efficacy of KD treatment and to search for child- or diet-related factors that can predict its efficacy at 12 months follow-up. In addition we wish to determine the usefulness of a 3-month KD trial period.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0025">Methods</title> <p id="abspara0020">Single center retrospective study in a university paediatric hospital of children with refractory epilepsy in which the KD had been initiated. Patient and diet characteristics as well as seizure reduction data were obtained from medical records and parental review. Efficacy of the KD was defined as ≥ 50% seizure reduction. Variables were evaluated in their relation to a successful treatment at three and 12 months after diet initiation.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0030">Results</title> <p id="abspara0025">During a 9.5-year period, the KD was initiated in 59 children with refractory epilepsy. Twenty-four children were still on the KD after 12 months, and 21 experienced ≥50% seizure reduction. Success of the KD at three months was significantly related to a successful response to KD treatment at 12 months (p < 0.001).</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0035">Conclusions</title> <p id="abspara0030">The KD can be an effective treatment in reducing seizures in children with refractory epilepsy. No significant relationships between variables and efficacy at 12 months were revealed. Children with a successful response at 3 months were significantly more likely to achieve success at 12 months of KD treatment.</p> </sec> </abstract>