[Use of ketogenic diet in children in France from 2001 to 2008]

Abstract

Introduction: The ketogenic diet is an adequate treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy and certain inborn metabolic disorders. The efficacy of the ketogenic diet for the treatment of epilepsy is now well established. In France, and more widely in Europe, there is currently no consensus concerning appropriate initiation of the ketogenic diet and subsequent patient management.

Methods: Using the same questionnaire in 2005 and 2008, we retrospectively recorded the practices of child neurology departments of the French university hospitals during three study periods (2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2005-2008). The aim was to evaluate the number of ketogenic diets started and how the ketogenic diet was initiated.

Results: The ketogenic diet was widely used by pediatric neurologists. The number of patients on a ketogenic diet increased over time. Diet initiation protocols also changed over time, being modified adequately with advances in knowledge of the ketogenic diet.

Conclusion: The French pediatric neurologists appear to have a good understanding of the ketogenic diet.