Using a ketogenic diet to treat new-onset absence epilepsy in children
A Prospective, Case-control Evaluation of Ketogenic Dietary Therapy for New-onset Childhood Absence Epilepsy
This study tests if a special low-carb diet can help children aged 3-12 with new absence epilepsy have fewer seizures compared to regular medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04274179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a modified Atkins diet as a treatment for children aged 3-12 years with new-onset childhood absence epilepsy. The study compares the dietary approach to traditional anticonvulsant medications in a small, prospective cohort over a three-month period. Participants will be monitored for seizure frequency and overall response to the dietary intervention. The goal is to determine if dietary therapy can serve as a feasible first-line treatment option for this condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-12 years with classic childhood absence epilepsy and normal intellect or mild disability.
Not a fit: Patients with previous anticonvulsant treatment or those with metabolic disorders that preclude dietary therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for children with absence epilepsy, potentially reducing reliance on medications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for the ketogenic diet in refractory childhood absence epilepsy, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children ages 3-12 years at seizure onset with classic childhood absence epilepsy clinically. * Normal intellect or mild disability * EEG with confirmed 3/second spike-wave discharges, usually with hyperventilation * Daily reported absence seizures. * Generalized convulsions allowed Exclusion Criteria: * Previous treatment with any anticonvulsant drug * Previous use of a ketogenic dietary therapy for epilepsy or any other condition * Glut1 deficiency syndrome * Metabolic disorder known that would preclude dietary therapy * Dietary restrictions for which a high fat, low carbohydrate diet would be precluded. * Prior history of epilepsy (febrile seizures allowed) * Unwilling to consent to study procedures or return for visits
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric H Kossoff, MD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Eric H Kossoff, MD
- Email: ekossoff@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 4109559100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.