Elzette Struwig
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Title: The Ketogenic Diet (KD) for the management of Refractory Epilepsy
Biography
Biography: Elzette Struwig
Abstract
The Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a high fat, adequate protein and low carbohydrate diet. Th e hallmark of the KD is the production of ketone bodies by the liver which becomes the brain’s primary source of energy. Th e KD has been applied in individuals with refractory or also known as drug-resistant epilepsy since the 1920s. Th e diet was discovered by the observation of decreased seizure frequency during episodes of fasting. In 1921, Dr. Wilder at Mayo clinic suggested the KD for the long-term management of epilepsy. In terms of this suggestion, it was stated that the benefi ts of fasting could be recreated through the implementation of a KD. Additionally, the KD could be sustained for a much longer period as it compensates for the clear disadvantages associated with a prolonged period of fasting. Initial anti-seizure drug (as standalone therapy) control seizures in approximately half of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Th e remaining half of the patients, normally those suff erring from drug-resistant/refractory/intractable epilepsy, may benefi t from the KD. Systemic reviews of KD therapies in children with refractory epilepsy suggest that 33 - 56% of children achieve ≥50% seizure reduction and approximately 16% achieve seizure freedom. Th e KD and variants thereof has shown promising results in those (from infancy to adulthood) suff erring from refractory epilepsy and should be recommended by medical professionals aft er two trials of anti-seizure medication has proven to be unsuccessful.