Path analysis shows that increasing ketogenic ratio, but not beta-hydroxybutyrate, elevates seizure threshold in the rat

Previous work has identified several criteria that may be important in dete rmining the efficacy of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for intractable e pilepsy in children. The present study was designed to investigate the infl uence of four major variables on seizure threshold, i.e. ketogenic ratio, b ody weight, age at diet onset and beta-hydroxybutyrate in rats. Path analys is was used to statistically model and quantify the causal relationships am ong variables. Results indicate that seizure threshold was significantly el evated with increasing ketogenic ratios (i.e. more fats vs. carbohydrates a nd proteins) and decreasing weight. Conversely, age at diet onset and plasm a levels of beta-OHB showed no causal relation to seizure resistance. These results suggest that the efficacy of the ketogenic diet is independent of the level of ketonemia but is markedly influenced by diet and growth. Copyr ight (C) 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.