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Survey of Latin American ketogenic diet centers: Challenges and success for "La Terapia Cetogénica".

Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape
December 5, 2024
Marisa Armeno et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to assess the availability and operation of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) centers in Latin America and identify challenges in its adoption.

Results Summary

The study identified 98 KDT centers in Latin America, with nearly half being public institutions. Core teams typically included a neurologist and dietitian, but protocols for transitioning to adult care and consistent data on Glut1 patients were lacking.

Population

Individuals with epilepsy in Latin America, specifically those treated at KDT centers.

Effective Dosage

Not mentioned

Duration

Not mentioned

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (2)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
ketogenic diet therapies (KDT)
decrease
seizure frequency
individuals with epilepsy
-
efficacy in reducing
#1
ketogenic diet therapies (KDT)
increase
quality of life
individuals with epilepsy
-
improving
#2
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Despite growing recognition of the efficacy of ketogenic diet therapies (KDT) in reducing seizure frequency and improving the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy, several factors hinder their widespread adoption across Latin America. Specific challenges in the region have been discussed but not formally studied. Currently, no data exist on the availability and operation of KDT teams in the region. To address this gap, we conducted a survey of KDT centers across Latin American countries in the framework of the biannual International Ketogenic Diet Conference in September 2023. METHODS: A seven-question survey was distributed via email to neurologists, dietitians, or through indexed publications. RESULTS: Of the 16 centers approached, 14 (87.5%) responded, identifying 98 KDT centers. Nearly half (49%) are public institutions, primarily in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico; 44 are private; and 5 are mixed. Core teams in all centers included a neurologist and dietitian, with some teams in Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay also involving a medical nutritionist. None of the centers reported a protocol for transitioning to adult care, and consistent data on Glut1 patients and protocols were lacking. SIGNIFICANCE: Over the past two decades, the KDT landscape in Latin America has improved, with established centers expanding and new ones emerging. However, continued efforts are needed to promote KDT adoption in countries where it is not yet practiced and in regions with limited resources and expertise.

Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality65/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.15
Normalized Score0.63
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