Actively Recruiting
Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-05-07
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
403 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The ketogenic diet is a medical therapy for epilepsy that is used nearly predominantly for refractory epilepsy (after 2-3 drugs have been tried and failed). However, there is both published evidence for first-line use (infantile spasms, Glut1 deficiency syndrome) and also anecdotal experience (families choosing to change the child's (or the family' own) diet rather than use anticonvulsant medications). Childhood absence epilepsy (refractory) has been published as being responsive to ketogenic diet therapy by the investigators' group previously. This is a small, prospective, 3 month trial to assess if using a modified Atkins diet is a feasible and effective option for new-onset childhood absence epilepsy. The investigators will compare to a group of children in which the parents have declined and chose to start anticonvulsant medications.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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
You will not qualify if you...
- 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
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21287
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Eric H Kossoff, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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