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Ketogenic diet for epilepsy

2003; Cochrane; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/14651858.cd001903

1469-493X

Robert G Levy, Paul P Cooper,

Epilepsy research and treatment

Background The ketogenic diet is a diet high in fat but low in carbohydrate and it is suggested that this diet reduces seizure frequency. Currently, this diet is used mainly for children who continue to have seizures despite treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Objectives To overview the evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of ketogenic diets. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group's Specialized Register (March 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to March 2005) and EMBASE (1980 to March 2003). Details of the strategies used are outlined in No language restrictions were imposed. We checked the reference lists of retrieved studies for additional reports of relevant studies. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials of ketogenic diets for people with epilepsy. Data collection and analysis We planned for two review authors to independently apply inclusion criteria and extract data. Main results No randomized controlled trials were found. Authors' conclusions There is no reliable evidence from randomized controlled trials to support the use of ketogenic diets for people with epilepsy. There are large observational studies, some prospective, suggesting an effect on seizures. These effects need validating in randomized controlled trials. For those with a difficult epilepsy on multiple antiepileptic drugs, we consider the ketogenic diet a possible option.