NCT05152771

Role of Ketogenic Diet in SSPE

Post Measles Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)and the Role of Ketogenic Diet, A Prospective Cohort Study

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 26 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Aga Khan University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 2 Years – 15 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

SSPE is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder occurring after measles infection and is potentially life-threatening.Measles infection remains endemic in Pakistan especially in the lower socioeconomic population where the vaccine coverage is low. The ketogenic diet has been used in a large number of diseases especially intractable epilepsies in children and also in certain neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's in adults. Some of the case reports from India and the USA have reported the beneficial results of ketogenic diet(KD) not only in the control of myoclonic jerks of SSPE but also in stopping and reversing the progress of the disease. There is a definite need to conduct a multi-center trial of KD to establish its effectiveness in SSPE. At the Aga khan university, the investigators have an experienced team who have been using KD for the last 9 years for intractable epilepsy. At AKU the investigators currently have 4 patients on board for the past 4 months, with diagnosed SSPE on Low Glycemic Index Diet and showing some improvement in their seizure and motor control. Based on these reports, for a poor measles control country like Pakistan, there is a need to work further in order to establish evidence for KD therapy as a treatment for SSPE. The findings of the proposed study will serve as a hope for the improvement of quality of life of patients suffering from SSPE which is a devastating disease with almost 100% mortality .

Detailed description

Methodology This will be a bi-center trial. The national institute of child health (NICH) will be a partner in this study along with Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. This study will be a nutritional research study looking at the role of the Ketogenic diet in improving seizures and overall disability in children with SSPE. LGIT will be the form of KD used for these patients. All families with children who have been newly diagnosed with confirmed SSPE will be approached to start the low glycemic index diet,(liberalized kind of KD). They will be counseled on the disease and the diet regimen. all possible side effects and management will be discussed. The duration of follow-up will be for one year and there will be no potential cost incurred by the patient. Patients will also be followed up by the physiotherapist at the physiotherapy department at AKU ( @ no cost)who will be supporting their motor rehabilitation. Investigations which include blood work and echo and ultrasound and EEGs will be done at regular intervals Sampling technique A consecutive sampling of all children who are diagnosed with SSPE will be used. A total of 26 children \>2-\<15 years will be enrolled over a period of two years.

Conditions

• SSPE

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	KETOGENIC DIET	This will be a prospective cohort study. All families with children who have been newly diagnosed with confirmed SSPE (based on Dyken's Criteria) will be approached to start the low glycemic index diet (liberalized kind of KD). A thorough dietary history will be taken from the parents/caregivers, and they will be counseled by a trained dietitian on the diet, all pros and cons, and the format. After the verbal agreement, formal consent will be taken from the parent/ caregiver for initiation of the diet. These patients are usually already admitted in the hospital for initial diagnosis and management. Therefore the initiation of the diet will be in the hospital during their admission if the parents/ caregivers agrees. A minimum of 2-3 days would be required to train the parents/caregivers.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-01-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-01
• Completion: 2025-12-01
• First posted: 2021-12-10
• Last updated: 2023-07-25