Subhasree Ray
SNDT Women’s University, India
Title: The effi cacy and tolerability of high polyunsaturated fatty acid ketogenic diet in one pediatric patient with refractory myoclonic status epilepticus: A case study
Biography
Biography: Subhasree Ray
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The study describes one paediatric patient of 36 months of age with refractory myoclonic status epilepticus, treated with high polyunsaturated fatty acid contained ketogenic diet (KD). Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, normal protein diet with an established efficacy for treating refractory epilepsy in paediatric population. Fatty acids are the most important constituent of the KD. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) increase anticonvulsant properties and reduce the complications associated with the high-fat diet. Between January 3, 2016 and June 6, 2016, one paediatric patient who met the diagnostic criteria for refractory myoclonic status epilepticus, seen at our neurology clinic, was placed on high polyunsaturated fatty acid ketogenic diet and followed for 6 months to observe the efficacy and tolerability of the diet in controlling refractory epilepsy. The intervention included nutritional counseling, administration of ketogenic diet, assessing and improving the quality of life of the family and monitoring the blood parameters during the treatment. Findings: The patient with progressive encephalopathy associated with myoclonic epilepsy had a 100% seizure reduction within 3 months of the treatment. The patient showed good compliance and tolerability to the diet. The number of anti-epileptic drugs has reduced from 5 to 2. The quality of life of the patient and the family is improved as the child started walking, communicating and responding to her parents. There were no reported incidents of nausea, vomiting, constipation or loose motions, which are typical complains related to ketogenic diet administration as per several trials. Conclusion & Significance: The ketogenic diet is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with refractory myoclonic status epilepticus and should be considered as a potential course of treatment in managing refractory or uncontrolled epilepsy.