[Ketogenic diet for intractable epilepsy in children and adolescents: report of six cases].

BACKGROUND

This study aims to report on use of the ketogenic diet in a group of six children and adolescents with intractable epilepsy.

METHODS

Authors reviewed the medical records of every patient under 15 years of age who received the ketogenic diet between April 1999 and July 2003. A comparison is made between treatment results, adverse events and beneficial effects with the pertinent medical literature.

RESULTS

The ketogenic diet was administered to six patients, whose median age was 7.0 years (range, 1.8-12.2). Average duration of diet application was of 9.7 months (range, 7 days-4 years). A reduction equal to or greater than 50% in seizure frequency was observed in half of the cases. Complications included neutropenia, constipation, dehydration, priapism, and seizure recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The ketogenic diet was effective and safe in three out of six patients with intractable epilepsy. Neutropenia was the most common complication.