TDNet Discover

Background. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat diet with low carbohydrates (usually in either a 4:1 or 3:1 ratio) and relatively average protein. The KD has been explored as adjunctive therapy for intractable epilepsy since the 1920s. Objective. The goal of this evidence-based medicine research is to explore the following question: Do ketotic diets (Ketogenic Diet [KD] or Modified Atkins Diet [MAD]) as adjunctive therapy for intractable seizure patients have positive therapeutic effects (decreased seizure activity, lower severity of seizures), when compared to patients who undergo pharmacologic therapy alone? Study design. An evidence-based medicine approach was utilized to address the research question. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was performed on several databases. Studies and reviews that met the search criteria, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and other limitations were examined by the researchers for quality of evidence and how this evidence might inform medical providers’ clinical decision making. Results. The methods yielded two systematic reviews and one meta-analysis. The results of these studies displayed statistically significant differences in patient outcomes when treated with ketogenic diets and medication compared with those treated with medication alone. Conclusion. Overall, the quality of studies that have been performed on ketotic diets for the treatment of epilepsy are low. Although studies are consistent supporting some benefit for most patients, the evidence is not strong enough to support recommen