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Effects of Low Glycemic Index Diet in Children With Drug-resistant Epilepsy

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Oxidative Stress
Drug Resistant Epilepsy
Psychological Health
Ketogenic Diet
Quality of Life
Interventions
Other: Low glycemic index diet treatment
Registration Number
NCT06432231
Lead Sponsor
Izmir Katip Celebi University
Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low glycemic index diet (LGID) on seizure frequency, oxidative stress markers and quality of life in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Based upon the aims, the following hypotheses were tested:

1. LGID reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

2. LGID improves oxidative parameters in children with drug-resistant epilepsy

3. LGID improves quality of life and mental health in children with drug-resistant epilepsy

Participants were prescribed the LGID for 3 months.At baseline and at outpatient clinic follow-ups at 3 months, anthropometric measurements were taken, the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Inventory of Quality of Life (PedsQL) and depression scales were administered and samples for biochemical measurements were collected. Diet compliance was evaluated by food consumption records during monthly follow-up visits (at 1 , 2, and 3 months).

Detailed Description

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a low glycemic index diet on seizure frequency, oxidative stress markers and quality of life in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.This study was a prospective, non-randomized, single centre intervention conducted in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Low glycemic index diet was started on an out-patient basis. Children and their parents were educated about the diet and the effect of the diet on seizures. Children who were willing to follow the diet were included in the study. The research dietitian conducted interviews with patients and their parents at the beginning of the study to explain the principles of the diet.At baseline and at outpatient clinic follow-ups at 3 months, anthropometric measurements were taken, the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Inventory of Quality of Life (PedsQL) and depression scales were administered and samples for biochemical measurements including oxidative stress parameters were collected. A 3-day dietary intake chart kept by the parents was reviewed at each monthly visit to check and reinforce compliance. Parents were asked to record the seizure frequency and severity in a seizure diary.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
34
Inclusion Criteria
  • Being between the ages of 4-18,
  • being diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy,
  • having more than one seizure per week,
  • not having followed a ketogenic diet before.
  • willing to come for regular follow up
Exclusion Criteria
  • children with known or suspected congenital metabolic, chronic, and systemic diseases in which ketogenic diet is contraindicated.
  • non-compliance with the diet recommended by the patient and/or parents
  • enteral tube or parenteral feeding

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Low glycemic index diet treatmentLow glycemic index diet treatmentChildren with drug-resistant epilepsy were treated with a low glycemic index diet for 3 months.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in seizure frequencyBaseline and Month 3

Seizure diary was kept by parents to records seizure frequency and severity

Concentration of antioxidant and oxidant statusBaseline and Month 3

Measurement of oxidative stress markers (Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Oxidant Status (TOS))

Concentration of Paraoxonase Enzyme ActivityBaseline and Month 3

Measurement of Paraoxonase Enzyme Activity (PON-1)

Changes in quality of lifeBaseline and Month 3

"Pediatric Inventory of Quality of Life" was applied to assess health-related quality of life. A higher score corresponds to a higher health-related quality of life. The score ranges from 0 to 100

Changes in depression levelBaseline and Month 3

Depression status was assessed by the "Children's Depression Scale".Scores that can be obtained from the scale can vary between 0-54. The cut-off point of the depression scale for children is 19, and high scores indicate a high risk of depression.

Concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA)Baseline and Month 3

Measurement of Malondialdehyde (MDA)

Changes in psychosocial problemsBaseline and Month 3

Psychosocial problems were assessed by the "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire".The questionnaire includes 25 questions, some of which question positive and some of which question negative behavioral characteristics. These questions are grouped under 5 sub-headings. These are behavioral problems, attention deficit and hyperactivity, emotional problems, peer problems and social behaviors. Each heading is evaluated in itself with scores that range from 0 to 10 and the sum of the first four headings gives the "total difficulty score". While high scores in social behavior reflect the individual's strengths in the social domain, high scores in the other four domains (behavioral problems, attention deficit and hyperactivity, emotional problems, peer problems) reflect that the problem areas are severe.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Concentration of glucoseBaseline and Month 3

Measurement of glucose

Changes in lipid profileBaseline and Month 3

Measurement of total cholesterol (mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (mg/dl), HDL cholesterol (mg/dl), serum triglyceride (mg/dl)

Concentration of insulinBaseline and Month 3

Measurement of insulin

Concentration of liver function testsBaseline and Month 3

Measurement of Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gamze Yurtdaş Depboylu

🇹🇷

Çi̇ğli̇, İ̇zmi̇r, Turkey

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