Can Children With Hyperlipidemia Receive Ketogenic Diet for Medication-Resistant Epilepsy?. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yeou-Mei Christiana; Lowe, Helen; Zak, Maria M.; Kobayashi, Jeff; Chan, Valerie W.; Donner, Elizabeth J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of child neurology. Volume 28:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: hyperlipidemia -- ketogenic therapy -- total cholesterol -- low-density lipoprotein -- total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein.; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.928
• DOI: 10.1177/0883073813476140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0738

Abstract

The very-high-fat ketogenic diet can worsen lipid levels in children with pre-existing hyperlipidemia by increasing serum lipoproteins and reducing antiatherogenic high-density lipoproteins. A retrospective chart review of 160 children treated with the ketogenic diet from September 2000 to May 2011 was performed. Twelve children with pre-existing hyperlipidemia were identified. Lipid levels including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein were measured pre-diet and at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. During treatment, there was a significant reduction in mean total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were normalized in 8 and 7 children at 6 months; and 9 and 9 children at 12 months respectively. At 6 and 12 months, tot cholesterol/HDL ratio was normalized in 5 and 7 children respectively. Diet modifications were made to achieve healthy lipid levels. By extrapolating the data, it suggests lipid levels can be controlled in children and adults with ketogenic diet treatment.