Elsevier

Seizure

Volume 22, Issue 6, July 2013, Pages 487-489
Seizure

Short communication
Transitioning pediatric patients receiving ketogenic diets for epilepsy into adulthood

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2013.03.005Get rights and content
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Abstract

Purpose

To examine the process for transitioning adolescents on dietary management for intractable epilepsy to adult neurologic care.

Methods

Ten patients, ages 6–16 years when the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet was initiated, were identified; age at transition was 18–43 years. All patients were seen at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.

Results

Seven remain on diets (4 Ketogenic, 3 modified Atkins diet) at this time with mean diet duration of 15.5 years (range 4–32 years). Most patients had excellent but not complete seizure control and several had recurrence or worsening of seizures with attempts to wean dietary therapy, hence the need to continue. Three main transition options were utilized: (1) continue being followed in pediatric clinic (n = 2), (2) establish care with an adult neurologist (n = 2), or 3) receive care from the Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (n = 6). Those patients followed in the Adult Epilepsy Diet Center were slightly more likely to remain on dietary therapy following transition (5/6 vs. 1/4, p = 0.12).

Conclusion

It is important for adolescents with epilepsy receiving ketogenic diets to have transition plans in place for when they become adults. Adult epilepsy diet centers are the ideal option when possible.

Abbreviations

KD
ketogenic diet
MAD
modified Atkins diet
AEDC
adult epilepsy diet center

Keywords

Adolescents
Ketogenic
Ketosis
Diet
Adults
Epilepsy
Transition

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