Ketogenic diet as an alternative therapy for children with refractory epilepsy:: about 29 children

Introduction. - The ketogenic diet is a treatment option for patient with intractable or refractory epilepsy. It is a high-fat, low protein, low carbohydrate diet developed in 1920s. Recent research publications and media interest have renewed debate on the merits of ketogenic diet. Population. - We report our experience with 29 children suffering from refractory epilepsy, treated with the ketogenic diet. No surgical option was available. Modalities are explained. Results. - The ketogenic diet improved seizure control in 12/29 cases. It appeared effective in infants with infantile spasms. Refractory-status epilepticus responded to the ketogenic diet (3/6 cases). Migrating partial seizures in infancy were always refractory to the diet. Compliance with the diet was good. Adverse effects must be compared with the toxicity of antiepileptic drugs. One child had hypokaliemia with cardiac complication. Conclusion. - The ketogenic diet should be continued during one or 2 years when it is effective. It should be considered as an alternative therapy for children with refractory epilepsy. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.