Using a ketogenic diet to treat new-onset absence epilepsy in children
Official title: A Prospective, Case-control Evaluation of Ketogenic Dietary Therapy for New-onset Childhood Absence Epilepsy
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT04274179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 3 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 10, 2020 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04274179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 3-12 years with classic childhood absence epilepsy and normal intellect or mild disability.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with previous anticonvulsant treatment or those with metabolic disorders that preclude dietary therapy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for the ketogenic diet in refractory childhood absence epilepsy, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.