The ketogenic diet may influence cardiac function among children with epilepsy

Abstract Background: The ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective therapy for children with intractable epilepsy. Dyslipidemia is a complication of the KD, and a negative marker of cardiovascular function. However, there is growing interest in the protective effects of KD on the cardiovascular system. To examine the negative and positive effects of the KD on cardiovascular function, the present prospective study aimed to assess lipid profiles and cardiac functions among patients with intractable epilepsy who were on the KD. Methods: Lipid levels were examined at the baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the KD was initiated. Color Doppler imaging was used to assess ventricular systolic and diastolic functions at the baseline and at 3 months after KD initiation. Results: There were no statistically significant changes in blood lipid levels. Unexpectedly, cardiac systolic function (p=0.03 for ejection fraction and 0.01 for fractional shortening ) improved significantly, and diastolic function (p=0.04 for E/A) decreased. Conclusion: The KD may have positive effects on cardiac systolic function among children with epilepsy. In the future, further laboratory and clinical studies will be needed to elucidate the mechanism by which KD influences cardiovascular function.