Abstract

MARCOS PLASENCIA, Ligia M  and  ROJAS MASSIPE, Edelsia. Presentation of a case of  ketogenic diet application to refractory epilepsy . Rev Cubana Pediatr [online]. 2007, vol.79, n.4, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3119.

The case of a 2-year-old male patient suffering from West syndrome that had been treated with multiple antiepileptic drugs without encouraging results, neither in the seizures, nor in his psychomotor development, which was seriously affected, was reported. A progressive ketogenic diet was established without initial fasting, and it was observed a clinical change in the patient, since ketosis levels were attained and confirmed by the appearance of ketone bodies in urine. The clinical changes consisted in the reduction of the number of daily seizures and their intensity, in the possibility of stopping the use of one of the antiepileptic drugs, and in the increase of the level of sleeplessness of the patient. It was concluded that this treatment alternative should not be rejected in the cases of refractory epilepsy.

Keywords : Refractory epilepsy; ketogenic diet; West syndrome.

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