With uncontrolled epilepsy, irreversible cognitive impairment develops over the course of two years, which persists even after subsequent treatment. The Ketogenic Diet (KD) has been used in Russia since 2002.

We are monitoring over 700 patients aged 4 months to 18 years with various forms of epilepsy risk factors. 

• < 50% - 104 children (15%)

• > 50% - 103 children (15%)

• > 75% - 150 children (21.5%)

• 100% - 136 children (19.5%)

• No effect - 185 children (26%)

• Side effects - 22 children (3%)

The overall effectiveness of KD was 493 children (70%).

KD had a positive effect on motor and mental functions in 96% of cases. Improvements in self-care skills, hygiene, fine motor skills, reduced ataxia, and improved speech, memory, attention, and communication skills were noted. As a result, quality of life improved, even with a minimal anticonvulsant effect. KD was clearly effective in genetically determined forms of epilepsy (50-100% effectiveness) – in 86% of children.

In glucose deficiency syndrome type 1 (GLUT1), a deficiency of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, KD is a highly effective method of pathogenetic therapy, reducing clinical manifestations: stopping seizures, improving psychomotor development, and improving quality of life in children. KD can be used to stop refractory and super-refractory epilepsy.

If a stable therapeutic effect is achieved, gradual discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (partial or complete) is possible. In children who have not achieved 100% efficacy, with a partial reduction in seizure frequency, a phenomenon of sensitivity to anticonvulsants previously used ineffectively has been noted.

A retrospective evaluation of the clinical and economic effectiveness of KD use in children with drug-resistant epilepsy – KEEP (Ketogenic Diet Efficiency in Epilepsy Patients) – was conducted. KD is a cost-effective therapy that can reduce government and family costs for patient treatment. Against the background of CD, a decrease in the amount of antiepileptic drugs consumed and a reduction in drug costs are observed.

Ekaterina Lukyanova is a neurologist and epileptologist, serving as a research associate at the Scientific Practical Center of Specialized Medical Care for Children named after V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky. She specializes in treating children with drug-resistant seizures using the ketogenic diet, which was first introduced in Russia at her medical center. She participates in international clinical trials GCP. She is the author of clinical guidelines in the Russian Federation on GLUT1