The Feasibility, Safety and Effectiveness of a Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Status Epilepticus in Adults in the Intensive Care Unit

BackgroundStatus, refractory status and super refractory status epilepticus are common neurologic emergencies. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of a ketogenic diet (KD) for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in adults in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single-center study of patients between ages 18 and 80years with RSE treated with a KD treatment algorithm from November 2016 through April 2018. The primary outcome measure was urine ketone body production as a biomarker of feasibility. Secondary measures included resolution of RSE and KD-related side effects.ResultsThere were 11 adults who were diagnosed with RSE that were treated with the KD. The mean age was 48years, and 45% (n=5) of the patients were women. The patients were prescribed a median of three anti-seizure medications before initiating the KD. The median duration of RSE before initiation of the KD was 1day. Treatment delays were the result of Propofol administration. 90.9% (n=10) of patients achieved ketosis within a median of 1day. RSE resolved in 72.7% (n=8) of patients; however, 27.3% (n=3) developed super-refractory status epilepticus. Side effects included metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia and hyponatremia. One patient (20%) died.ConclusionsKD may be feasible, safe and effective for treatment of RSE in the ICU. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) may be indicated to further test the safety and efficacy of KD.