UnknownNot Applicable

Ketonemia Through Menstrual Cycle

Italy15 participantsStarted 2020-07-01

Plain-language summary

Ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are well-established, safe, non-pharmacologic treatments used for children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Ketone bodies levels undergo a significant inter-individual and intra-individual variability and can be affected by several factors. This evidence suggests the need for personalized monitoring for diet optimization, especially at the beginning of the treatment but during whole follow-up. Possible variations in glycemia and ketone bodies' blood level according to different phases of menstrual cycle have not been systematically assessed yet, but this time window deserves special attention because of hormonal and metabolic related changes. We present the methodological protocol for a longitudinal, multicentric study aimed at searching for subtle changes in ketone bodies blood level during menstrual cycle in epileptic female patients undergoing a stable ketogenic diet. The study will be divided into two phases. The first one will be purely observational, aiming at the assessment of ketonemia during menstrual cycle. Whether this finding will be confirmed, a second phase of ketogenic diet therapy adjustment will be scheduled.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years – 35 Years

Sex

FEMALE

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: * Patients with drug resistant epilepsy or GLUT1DS undergoing KD from at least 3 months before inclusion to the study * Patients who had menarche at least 3 months before inclusion to the study * Absence of recognized endocrinologic problems/ disease Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who experienced secondary amenorrhea * Patients who have irregular menstrual cycle * Pregnant patients

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?

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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

To measure serum ketone bodies level through different phases of menstrual cycle

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05234411

SponsorUniversity of Pavia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-09-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Epilepsy trials