The ketogenic diet (KD) is not only considered a valuable non-pharmacological therapeutic option
for children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) but it also represents the mainstay of treatment for glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1-DS, OMIM 606777). Patients with DRE should receive the KD for at least three months, after which it can be continued for several years if symptoms subside (i.e., seizure reduction >50%). As far as subjects with GLUT1-DS are concerned, the KD should be initiated with the expectation of a lifelong treatment. Among the potential long-term consequences, recent years have witnessed a remarkable interest on the possible effects of the KD on children’s growth. The purpose of the study will be:
a) to identify children at risk of growth delay
b) to investigate potential causes of poor growth such as inadequate intakes of energy and
proteins (compared with recommended values), the effects of the underlying diseases and treatments, acidosis/ketosis and related endocrine changes
The study is carried on by a multidisciplinary team including clinical nutritionists and dietitians specialized in ketogenic dietary therapies, pediatric neurologists and pediatricians,