A pragmatic study on efficacy, tolerability and long term acceptance of ketogenic diet therapy in 74 South Indian children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy

Abstract

Purpose: Significant challenges exist for Ketogenic Diet (KD) programs in many populations, mainly due to the variations in local dietary preferences. Here we report a single center experience of KD therapy in a cohort of South Indian children with pharmaco-resistant epilepsies.

Methods: Children aged 0-18 years, enrolled in the KD program for pharmacoresistant epilepsies of Amrita institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India (2010 - 2015) were included in this pragmatic study. Diet efficacy was evaluated according to reduction in seizure frequency and in the number of antiepileptic drugs (AED). Duration of retention, reasons for discontinuation and the rate of adverse events were used for assessing KD tolerability.

Results: Seventy four children were enrolled in the KD program. Four children could not complete the initiation process. Median age at KD initiation was 4.2years. 53 children had developmental delay. 89% were on 3 or more AEDs. Baseline seizure frequency was >5/day in 52 children. KD was continued for a median duration of 10.43 months. At the last contact, 59.4% reported seizure reduction of more than 50%. More than 90% reduction was noted in 25 children (33.7%). 6(8.1%) of them became completely seizure free. Four children expired during the study period and four children reported major adverse events necessitating KD withdrawal. Main reasons for discontinuation of KD were poor compliance, lack of response to diet and relapse of seizures.

Conclusion: KD may be a safe and effective option for children with pharmacoresistant epilepsies even while on a traditional carbohydrate rich South Indian diet.

Keywords: Ketogenic diet; Refractory epilepsy; Seizure outcome.