Comparing Modified Atkins Diet and Topiramate for Children with Refractory Epileptic Spasms

Modified Atkins Diet Versus Topiramate In Children With Epileptic Spasms Refractory To Hormonal Treatment: A Randomized Open-Label Study

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Lady Hardinge Medical College · NCT05958160

This study is testing whether a special diet or a medication works better for young children with tough-to-treat epileptic spasms.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages9 Months to 3 Years
SexAll
SponsorLady Hardinge Medical College Government
Locations1 site (New Delhi, Delhi)
Trial IDNCT05958160 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of the modified Atkins diet compared to topiramate in children aged 9 months to 3 years who have infantile epileptic spasms that have not responded to hormonal treatments. The research is designed as a randomized open-label trial, focusing on children diagnosed with this severe epilepsy syndrome. The modified Atkins diet is a less restrictive alternative to the ketogenic diet, which has shown promise in treating intractable epilepsy. The study will assess the outcomes over a specified period to determine which intervention provides better results for these young patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 9 months to 3 years diagnosed with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome who have failed hormonal therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with known metabolic disorders, prior use of the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet, or significant systemic illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new dietary treatment option for children with refractory epileptic spasms, potentially reducing reliance on medications with significant side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with dietary interventions like the modified Atkins diet in treating similar conditions, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1) Age: 9 months to 3 years 2) Diagnosis of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome as per the ILAE 2022 diagnostic criteria 3) Failure of hormonal therapy, i.e. oral prednisolone or ACTH

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Exclusion Criteria:

1) Known or suspected inborn error of metabolism 2) Prior use of the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet or Topiramate 3) Systemic illness- chronic hepatic, renal or pulmonary disease 4) Diagnosed renal stones

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Where this trial is running

New Delhi, Delhi

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Epileptic Spasms, Failed Hormonal Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.