Atkins Plus KetoCal for Childhood Epilepsy (NCT00681239) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 3
Atkins Plus KetoCal for Childhood Epilepsy
United States30 participantsStarted 2008-05
Plain-language summary
The modified Atkins diet (MAD) is a relatively new, alternative dietary therapy for intractable childhood and adult epilepsy. Recent evidence suggests that a strict, highly ketotic, first month may be advantageous to both immediate and long-term efficacy. KetoCal® is a pre-mixed powder that can be used to create a 4:1 ketogenic diet shake as a meal substitute. The investigators hypothesize that substituting KetoCal® for a lunch during the initial month of the MAD will lead to improved seizure reduction over the MAD alone, as well as improved tolerability and lipid values.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Children ages 3-17 years
* At least daily seizures (or 7 per week). All seizure types allowed
* Tried at least two anticonvulsants
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unwilling to restrict carbohydrates
* Significantly underweight (BMI ≤ 5%)
* Prior use of the modified Atkins diet for ≥ 2 days
* Prior use of KetoCal® at any time for any duration
* Use of the KD within the past year
* Kidney disease
* History of hypercholesterolemia(\>300 mg/dl) or hypertriglyceridemia (\>200 mg/dl)
* Metabolic or mitochondrial disorder
* Aversion to shakes or inability to eat solid food
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.