CompletedNot Applicable

Prospective Study of Comparison Between the Modified Atkins Diet and Classic Ketogenic Diet for Intractable Childhood Epilepsy

South Korea104 participantsStarted 2011-03

Plain-language summary

The Ketogenic diet is a now proven, evidence based treatment of refractory epilepsy. the classic ketogenic diet (KD) is based on a ratio of fat to carbohydrate and protein, usually 3:1 or 4:1. Fat is proven long-chain triglycerides. The efficacy of the KD has been proven by many multicenter trials. But, side effects of ketogenic diet therapy is severe. The modified atkins diet (MAD) was designed and investigated at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which aimed to propose a less restrictive dietary treatment that would be more palatable to children and adolescents with less side effects. The MAD consist of a nearly balance diet (60% fat, 30% protein, and 10% carbohydrates by weight), without any restriction on the recommended daily calories. Some literature suggested that the MAD is an effective treatment for refractory epilepsy. But, no randomised controlled study has been tried. the investigators aimed in this prospective study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of MAD comparing to KD. The patients were recruited between age 3 to 18 years old with intractable epilepsy. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either one of two groups; the KD group and MAD group. The patients were required to attend outpatient clinic after 1, 3month to record their seizure frequency and severity, while their dietary treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

1 Year – 18 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: * Age ranged from 1 to 18 year old patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy which shows frequency with more than 1 per week, 4 per month even though at least more than 2 antiepileptic drug treatment. Exclusion Criteria * Patients heve been tried KD or MAD before. * Patients with renal stones, hyperlipidemia, cardiologic problems. * Other conditions not adjust for dietary therapy.

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.

What they're measuring

seizure outcome 3months after dietary therapy.

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02100501

SponsorYonsei University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2013-03

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