The relationship of ketosis and growth to the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in infantile spasms

SummaryThe ketogenic diet (KD) is a treatment of infantile spasms (IS). Here, we examine the efficacy of KD in medically refractory IS, examine its impact on growth in infants, and explore its mechanism of action. At 1⿿3 months after the initiation of the KD, 46% of twenty-six patients had a greater than 90% reduction in IS. No significant relationships between reduction in IS and serum β-hydroxybutyrate, or glucose levels were identified. Also, the KD had not significantly altered patient's growth parameters. Thus, in corroborating with prior studies, we demonstrate the KD is a well-tolerated and efficacious treatment of IS.