Ketogenic diet in the treatment of refractory epilepsy in childhood

There has been renewed interest in the ketogenic diet in the treatment of m edically refractory seizure disorders in childhood, This article reports th e results of a retrospective chart review of 52 patients who were treated w ith the ketogenic diet. The vast majority (49 of 52) were treated with the classic 4:1 diet, Seizure control improved in 67.3% of patients with comple te abolition of seizures in six. Adverse reactions were uncommon and includ ed the development of renal stones, gall bladder stones, and hypoproteinemi a in one patient each. Routine biochemical screening during the diet did no t identify or prevent adverse events, The authors' experiences with the die t emphasize the need for close ongoing medical and dietary supervision. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.