Ketogenic Diet vs ACTH for the Treatment of Children With West Syndrome (NCT05279118) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingPhase 2/3
Ketogenic Diet vs ACTH for the Treatment of Children With West Syndrome
India80 participantsStarted 2022-04-18
Plain-language summary
Children with West syndrome are prone to refractory seizures with poor neurocognitive outcome overall. The current standard of care consists of treatment with ACTH, but the grade of evidence is not high and not much RCTs are available. Ketogenic diet is an effective and well tolerated treatment option in drug refractory epilepsy and also in refractory west syndrome. In view of minimal side effects, better cost parameters and ability to continue for a longer duration our study aiims to investigate the efficacy of ketogenic diet as a first line therapy in comparison to ACTH therapy. Children with west syndrome after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomised into the two treatment arms and primary response will be noted at the end of 6 weeks of therapy in terms of mean percentage of spasm reduction.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Months – 2 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, aged 6 month - 2 years with electroclinical diagnosis of west syndrome
Exclusion Criteria:
* Already on ACTH, prednisolone vigabatrin or KD therapy \> 5days
* Tuberous sclerosis
* Vitamin trial responsiveness
* Known Pre-existing contraindications for KD (IEM, Porphyria etc.)
* Chronic systemic illness (Ex: Chronic kidney disease, congenital heart diseases etc)
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
1
Mean percentage reduction of spam (Baseline mean weekly spasm rate - mean weekly spasm rate on 6th week of therapy/Baseline mean weekly spasm rate * 100) is compared in both arms