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De Giorgis V, Tagliabue A, Bisulli F, Brambilla I, Camerini A, Cusmai R, Darra F, Dianin A, Domenica E, Lodi MAM, Matricardi S, Messana T, Operto F, Ragona F, Russo E, Varesio C, Volpi L, Zanaboni MP, Pasca L, Veggiotti P. Ketogenic dietary therapies in epilepsy: recommendations of the Italian League against Epilepsy Dietary Therapy Study Group. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1215618. [PMID: 37497012 PMCID: PMC10368245 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1215618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A stepwise increase in the utilization of ketogenic dietary therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy has been observed in Italy in the last decade, although it is still considered often underused in many centers when compared to other countries. The Dietary Therapy Study Group of the Italian League against Epilepsy proposes practical recommendations to improve shared knowledge and facilitate the application of ketogenic dietary therapies, optimizing its efficacy and tolerability. The experts involved (11 child neuropsychiatrists, two adult neurologists, one psychologist, one pharmacologist, one pediatric endocrinologist, one representative of patients' associations, and three dietitians and clinical nutritionists) responded to a survey on current clinical practice issues and were asked to discuss controversial topics related to supplementation, long-term maintenance, transition, and a multidisciplinary approach to ketogenic dietary therapies. Practical indications for patient selection, diet initiation, management, side effects prevention, and follow-up are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina De Giorgis
- Department of Brain and Behaviour Neuroscience, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Tagliabue
- Department of Public Health, Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Center and Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Laboratory—Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Full Member of the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE), Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Brambilla
- Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Ginecologia Pediatrica, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Cusmai
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Dianin
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Unit and Regional Centre for Newborn Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Congenital Endocrine Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Elia Domenica
- Artificial Nutrition Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Anna Maria Lodi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Epilepsy Center, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Tullio Messana
- Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'etá pediatrica, Member of the ERN Epicare, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Operto
- Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Brain and Behaviour Neuroscience, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lilia Volpi
- UOC Neurologia, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Azienda USL di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Ludovica Pasca
- Department of Brain and Behaviour Neuroscience, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Veggiotti
- Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Corsello A, Trovato CM, Di Profio E, Cardile S, Campoy C, Zuccotti G, Verduci E, Diamanti A. Ketogenic Diet in Children and Adolescents: the Effects on Growth and Nutritional Status. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106780. [PMID: 37088260 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The ketogenic diet is known to be a possible adjuvant treatment in several medical conditions, such as in patients with severe or drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. Its use has recently been increasing among adolescents and young adults due to its supposed weight-loss effect, mediated by lipolysis and lowered insulin levels. However, there are still no precise indications on the possible use of ketogenic diets in pediatric age for weight loss. This approach has also recently been proposed for other types of disorder such as inherited metabolic disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome, and some specific types of cancers. Due to its unbalanced ratio of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, a clinical evaluation of possible side effects with a strict evaluation of growth and nutritional status is essential in all patients following a long-term restrictive diet such as the ketogenic one. The prophylactic use of micronutrients supplementation should be considered before starting any ketogenic diet. Lastly, while there is sufficient literature on possible short-term side effects of ketogenic diets, their possible long-term impact on growth and nutritional status is not yet fully understood, especially when started in pediatric age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Corsello
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Maria Trovato
- Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Di Profio
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Cardile
- Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristina Campoy
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Spanish Network of Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada's node, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonella Diamanti
- Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Munro K, Keller AE, Lowe H, Ferrara E, Whitney R, Liu CYM, Zak M, Chan V, Kobayashi J, Donner EJ. Neutropenia in Children Treated With Ketogenic Diet Therapy. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:525-529. [PMID: 33393840 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820984067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives were to investigate the relationship between ketogenic diet therapy and neutropenia in children with epilepsy. METHODS A retrospective chart review of children who initiated ketogenic diet at the Hospital for Sick Children between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2018 was performed. Factors associated with the development of neutropenia during ketogenic diet therapy were evaluated and the relationship between development of a significant or suspected infection and neutrophil count was analyzed. RESULTS One hundred two children met inclusion criteria and were followed on the diet for up to 24 months. Thirteen of 102 (13%) children were neutropenic at diet initiation. In the remaining 89 children, 27 developed neutropenia. Developing neutropenia was significantly associated with the ketogenic diet at 6 (13%), 12 (23%), and 24 (25%) months follow-up. Developing neutropenia was associated with higher urinary ketones (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.27, 14.15) and longer duration of ketogenic diet therapy (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.42, 7.96). There was no significant association between development of a clinically significant infection and neutropenia. CONCLUSION Ketogenic diet therapy is associated with neutropenia in children with epilepsy, however, it does not have a significant clinical impact. Concern regarding neutropenia should not discourage the use of the ketogenic diet in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helen Lowe
- 7979Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Enza Ferrara
- 7979Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Maria Zak
- 7979Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie Chan
- 7979Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Arsyad A, Idris I, Rasyid AA, Usman RA, Faradillah KR, Latif WOU, Lubis ZI, Aminuddin A, Yustisia I, Djabir YY. Long-Term Ketogenic Diet Induces Metabolic Acidosis, Anemia, and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Wistar Rats. J Nutr Metab 2020; 2020:3642035. [PMID: 32685205 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3642035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ketogenic diet has been used as supportive therapy in a range of conditions including epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term consumption of ketogenic diet on blood gas, hematological profiles, organ functions, and superoxide dismutase level in a rat model. Materials and Methods Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into control (n = 8) and ketogenic (n = 7) groups. Controls received standard diet contained 52.20% of carbohydrates, 7.00% fat, and 15.25% protein; meanwhile, the ketogenic group received a high-fat-low-carbohydrate diet which contained 5.66% of carbohydrate, 86.19% fat, and 8.15% protein. All rats were caged individually and received 30g of either standard or high-fat-low-carbohydrate pellets. The experiment was carried out for 60 days before the blood samples were taken and analyzed to obtain blood gas, cell counts, organ biomarkers, and plasma antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Results The rats subjected to ketogenic diet experienced a marked decrease in body weight, blood sugar, and increased blood ketones (p < 0.05). The average blood pH was 7.36 ± 0.02 and base excess was −5.57 ± 2.39 mOsm/L, which were significantly lower than controls (p < 0.05). Hematological analysis showed significantly lower erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. No significant changes were found in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine levels, indicating normal liver and kidney functions. Nevertheless, plasma SOD level significantly reduced with ketogenic diet. Conclusion Long-term ketogenic diet induces metabolic acidosis, anemia, and reduced antioxidant enzyme level in rats following 60 days of consuming high-fat-low-carbohydrate diet.
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Çağlar A, Edizer S, Sarıtaş S, Çelebi Çelik F, Önder M, Er A, Ulusoy E, Akgül F, Ünalp A, Yılmaz Ü, Apa H. Pediatric emergency department visit characteristics of the patients on the ketogenic diet. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 99:106446. [PMID: 31398557 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ketogenic diet (KD) has been frequently used for the patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in recent years. The management of these patients in emergency departments (EDs) has some difficulties due to the special needs of KD. We aimed to determine the characteristics and the management of the patients on the KD in the pediatric ED setting. METHODS Patients who were on the KD and admitted to the ED were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of all patients were retrospectively reviewed and recorded. RESULTS There were 105 emergency admissions of 27 patients. The median age of all patients was 55.0 (IQR: 29.0-91.0) months. The most common symptom was vomiting (43.8%). Four patients had upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and one patient had hyperammonemic acute hepatic failure while receiving KD. Of the patients, 41.9% had seizure-related ED admission. Infections were present in 41.9% of the ED visits. The frequency of status epilepticus was significantly lower in the patients who were on the KD for more than 6 months (p < 0.01). In 42.9% of all ED admissions, dextrose containing maintenance fluids was administered mistakenly; although ketosis rate was lower, no seizure was observed in this group. CONCLUSION The patients on the KD can be admitted to EDs with intercurrent illnesses or adverse effects of the KD. For accurate management, emergency physicians must be aware of the common reasons for ED admission of these patients and the effects of the KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aykut Çağlar
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey..
| | - Selvinaz Edizer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Serdar Sarıtaş
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Figen Çelebi Çelik
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Önder
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Anıl Er
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Emel Ulusoy
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Akgül
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aycan Ünalp
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hurşit Apa
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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Abstract
Anemia is a frequently encountered problem in the healthcare system. Common causes of anemia include blood loss, followed by impaired red blood cell production and red blood cell destruction. This case demonstrates the need for cognizance of the less frequent causes of anemia. A 27-year-old male with a history of traumatic brain injury and quadriplegia with chronic respiratory failure on home ventilator support presented to the emergency department with dyspnea and no bowel movements for three days. The patient received nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastostromy (PEG) tube. He was hypotensive with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 54 mm/Hg. There was no evidence of acute or ongoing blood loss. Initial lab data revealed hyperkalemia (K+ 6.1), severe anemia (Hb 1.5 g/dL), leukopenia (2.53 K/uL), neutropenia (ANC 700), and normal platelets. Peripheral smear revealed leukopenia with absolute neutropenia, marked anemia with anisopoikilocytosis with rare dacrocytes but no evidence of schistocytes. He responded to transfusion with improvement in hemoglobin from 1.5 to 9.1 within 24 hours. There was no evidence of hemolysis or vitamin deficiency. Ferritin and triglyceride levels were ordered to rule out hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Ferritin was elevated at 6506 ng/mL and triglycerides were 123 mg/dL. Soluble IL-2 receptor level was sent and found to be significantly elevated; however, this was felt to be more likely secondary to infection and inflammation, as the patient had no other clinical features of HLH, apart from cytopenias. Zinc supplementation was part of his wound care regimen. Copper levels were <10 ug/dL (normal: 70-140). Zinc supplements were stopped, and the patient was started on copper supplementation. At his three month follow-up clinic appointment, his anemia and leukopenia had resolved. Micronutrient deficiency is a potential cause of anemia, especially in a risk population and must be considered, as it is often easily correctible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Atiq
- Miscellaneous, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - James M Mobley
- Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Osman O Atiq
- Miscellaneous, St. Matthew's University, Little Rock, USA
| | - Mohammad O Atiq
- Internal Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Nikhil Meena
- Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
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