Abstracts

To review the side effects experienced by children with epilepsy treated by the ketogenic diet as reported by parents. Data is reviewed on children involved in a randomised controlled trial of the Classical and Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet. Side effects of the diet were assessed by a questionnaire undertaken by parents after 3 months on the diet. 54 questionnaires were reviewed (25 MCT and 29 Classical). In 18 children no side effects were reported. In the remaining 36 patients the most commonly reported side effect was constipation, reported by 20 parents (37%). Parents also observed lack of energy (28%), vomiting (28%) and abdominal pain (15%). Diarrhoea was reported by 13% of families. Other side effects including irritability, hunger, face rash and dehydration were observed on 6 occasions (11%). No side effects were seen more frequently on either diet. In particular, diarrhoea was seen to a similar degree on both diets. Only 3 children had to discontinue the diet due to side effects. In all others the side effects were transient or became less problematic in time. These results show that side effects are not a major barrier to use of the ketogenic diet in childhood epilepsy. (Supported by SHS International.)