Efficacy of the Ketogenic Diet in Children with Refractory Epilepsy

Objective: To determine if the ketogenic diet (KD) reduces or eliminates seizure activity in children with refractory epilepsy. 

Background: Refractory epilepsies cannot be satisfactorily treated by surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, or medications. The KD is now considered a standard alternative treatment for refractory epilepsy. 

Significance: Refractory epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children, which can have detrimental consequences on an epileptic child’s development. Refractory epilepsy results in mortality rates two to four times greater than those in the non-epileptic population. 

Theoretical Framework: The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was designed to provide a comprehensive framework which research findings can be put into practice in a systematic manner. The CFIR can provide a useful framework for applying research results to the real world. 

Methods: A review of literature was conducted using the following databases: CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Database and MEDLINE/PubMed. The primary search terms included KD, pediatric, epilepsy, refractory and seizure disorder. 

Results: The KD is associated with the successful reduction or elimination of seizure activity in children with refractory epilepsy.

Discussion: Medical establishments should study and adopt a systematic methodology for the use of the KD as a treatment for refractory epilepsy in children