Current Perspectives On The Role Of The Ketogenic Diet In Epilepsy Management

Comparison of efficacy of low glycemic index treatment and modified Atkins diet among children with drug-resistant epilepsy: A randomized non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

The ketogenic diet has been the mainstay of treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). No comparative trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of the two less strict ketogenic diets: modified Atkins diet (MAD) and low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). This study assesses the non-inferiority of LGIT compared with MAD.

METHODS

This was an open-label randomized non-inferiority trial. Children with DRE were randomized to receive either MAD or LGIT as an add-on to anti-seizure medications. The primary endpoint was percentage seizure reduction at the end of 24 weeks of therapy compared to the baseline. The non-inferiority margin of -15% was predefined to calculate the sample size.

RESULTS

Ninety-one children were enrolled and randomized to receive either MAD (n = 45) or LGIT (n = 46). Intention-to-treat analysis done at the end of 24 weeks of therapy showed a mean (±standard deviation [SD]) percentage seizure reduction of 60.7% (±41.3) in the MAD sub-group and 57% (±39.4) in the LGIT sub-group (p = 0.664). The absolute difference between the means of percentage seizure reduction was -3.7 (-20.5 to 13.2) and crossed the non-inferiority margin. Ten children in the MAD group and nine children in the LGIT group did not complete 24 weeks of therapy. Adverse effects were comparable between the arms (MAD, 66.6%; LGIT, 50%), although serious adverse effects were higher in the MAD arm. The most common adverse effect was decreased acceptance (24.2%) followed by decreased satiety (9.9%), vomiting (9.9%), weight loss (5.5%), constipation (5.5%), and diarrhea (3.3%). Dyslipidemia was more commonly seen in the MAD group (MAD, six; LGIT, one). One death in the LGIT arm was unrelated to therapy. Although there was no statistically significant difference in improvement in cognition, behavior, and quality of life scales, improvement was noted from baseline scores.

SIGNIFICANCE

LGIT may be non-inferior to MAD in the treatment of children with DRE with the advantage of increased acceptance and fewer adverse effects.

Ketogenic diet treatment for super-refractory status epilepticus in the intensive care unit: feasibility, safety and effectiveness

Background and aims

To investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the ketogenic diet (KD) for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

We conducted a prospective investigation on patients with SRSE treated with the KD. The primary outcome measures were ketosis development as a biomarker of feasibility and resolution of SRSE as effectiveness. KD-related side effects were also investigated.

Results

Twelve patients (9 females and 3 males) with SRSE, with a median age of 34 years [range 16-69, interquartile range (IQR) 18-52], were treated with a KD. The median duration of SRSE prior to KD treatment was 21 days (range 4-46). SRSE resolved in 75% (9/12) of patients at a median of 3 days (range 1-18) after KD initiation. Among the nine KD responders, all were successfully weaned off anesthetic agents at a median of 16 days (range 4-32) after KD initiation, and all were also successfully weaned off ventilator. Side effects varied, and included gastrointestinal intolerances, malnutrition and metabolic abnormalities, electrolyte disturbance, and acute weight loss, although most of them could be corrected. No patient died due to KD, and neurofunctions continued to improve under KD therapy.

Conclusion

The KD may be feasible and effective for the treatment of SRSE in the ICU. Moreover, it is relatively safe. However, there are numerous adverse events that can be corrected under close monitoring.

Ketogenic diet therapies as a non-pharmacological adjuvant in resistant epilepsy: retrospective analysis of adult outpatients in Colombia

Twelve patients between 18 and 53 years of age were included. MAD plus nutritional supplementation was administered to 75% (n = 10) of the participants, one (8.3%) received MAD alone, and 16.7 (n = 2) received Classic Ketogenic Diet (cKD) plus nutritional supplementation. Oral nutritional supplementation, administered in the outpatient setting, provided patients with between 31 and 55% of the total caloric value. In the first month of KDT treatment, 83.3% (n = 10) of patients reduced the number of weekly seizures by 40% (median). At six months of treatment, 75% of patients had at least halved the number of weekly seizures. At 12 months of treatment, the number of weekly seizures had been reduced by 85.7% (median). KDT was well tolerated, and there was no need to discontinue treatment. This study provides real-world information on the use of KDT, particularly MAD in adults, in developing countries. Future studies in larger cohorts will provide further information on different types of KDT, adherence, and patient-reported outcomes.

Classic ketogenic diet-induced ketoacidosis in the treatment of pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

As a rare mitochondrial disorder, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) deficiency is a rare inborn disease characterized with glucose metabolism defects, which leads to neurological dysfunction, serum lactic acid buildup and a resultant trend of metabolic acidosis. Although the ketogenic diet (KD) is the first-line treatment for PDC deficiency, there is currently no widely accepted consensus on specific implementation of KD for this condition. Due to the combined effect of pre-existing hyperlactacidemia and KD-induced ketoacidosis that can further exacerbate metabolic disturbances, maintaining metabolic homeostasis should be prioritized during the implementation of KD.

CASE PRESENTATION

Herein, the authors present a 6-year-old boy with lactic acidosis, ataxia, hypotonia and neuromotor development retardation. The KD was started after the patient was diagnosed with PDC deficiency based on genetic testing. The initiation with classic KD resulted in severe non-diabetic ketoacidosis with elevated anion gap, which was promptly alleviated by dextrose supplementation and dietary modification to a less-restrictive KD. Long-term supervision demonstrated the efficacy of a modified KD in improving both clinical course and metabolic acidosis of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

This rare case adds to the limited evidence of KD application in PDC deficiency, and provides valuable insights into the importance of reasonably lowering the ketogenic ratio of KD at the start of treatment to reduce the risk of metabolic acidosis.

Clinician Understanding, Acceptance and utilization of Ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy in Australia and New Zealand: An online survey

Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) is an established treatment for people with epilepsy. As increasing evidence demonstrates effectiveness and safety of KDT on seizure reduction, cognition and behaviour, it is essential to evaluate factors hindering and supporting neurologists in prescribing KDT to strengthen quality, evidence-based, appropriate and equitable care. A study of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) neurologists was undertaken via an online survey. Demographics, clinical role characteristics, perceptions of knowledge, use and experiences of KDT for epilepsy treatment were assessed. Responses were analysed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model. 114 neurologists participated (18 % response rate). All were aware of KDT for epilepsy treatment, most (90 %) perceived it as acceptable and 85 % identified suitable patients in their practice. Poor knowledge of the KDT referral processes was a barrier for 64 %. Clinical role characteristics were significantly associated with perceived level of knowledge and use of KDT in practice, being more likely among paediatric neurologists), epileptologists and those in urban practices (p < 0.00001). Most neurologists (90 %) endorsed adoption of a KDT guideline to facilitate use of KDT in epilepsy management. This study established that KDT is accepted as a suitable treatment for epilepsy in ANZ. There is high variability in perceived knowledge and skills related to KDT, which impacts on utilization in clinical practice. Further education and resources for clinicians, allied health and community support agencies are needed to optimise the use of this valuable therapy. Additionally, a clear referral pathway would improve patient access.

Are Future Doctors Prepared to Address Patients' Nutritional Needs? Cooking and Nutritional Knowledge and Habits in Medical Students

Background. Many diseases are linked to lifestyle in the United States, yet physicians receive little training in nutrition. Medical students' prior knowledge of nutrition and cooking is unknown. Objective. To determine incoming medical students' prior nutrition knowledge, culinary skills, and nutrition habits. Methods. A dual-methods study of first-year medical students. Cross-sectional survey assessing prior knowledge, self-efficacy, and previous education of cooking and nutrition. Interviews of second-year medical students explored cooking and nutrition in greater depth. Results. A total of 142 first-year medical students participated; 16% had taken a nutrition course, with majority (66%) learning outside classroom settings. Students had a mean score of 87% on the Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire versus comparison group (64.9%). Mean cooking and food skills score were lower than comparison scores. Overall, students did not meet guidelines for fiber, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Interviews with second-year students revealed most learned to cook from their families; all believed it important for physicians to have this knowledge. Conclusions. Medical students were knowledgeable about nutrition, but typically self-taught. They were not as confident or skilled in cooking, and mostly learned from their family. They expressed interest in learning more about nutrition and cooking.

Cognition and obesity in adults with epilepsy

Introduction

Objective: to assess the occurrence of overweight/obesity in patient with epilepsy (PWEs) and to relate it to cognitive aspects and clinical variables. Methodology: the measurements of waist circumference, calf circumference, arm circumference, and the body mass index were related to the scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu, as well as to the clinical variables of 164 PWEs, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Data were compared to a similar control group (CG) comprising 71 cases. Linear and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess factors related to cognitive aspects. Results: the mean age of the PWEs was 49.8 ± 16.6 years with a mean length of epilepsy of 22 ± 15.9 years. Overweight/obesity occurred in 106 (64.6 %) PWEs and in 42 (59.1 %) CG subjects. The PWEs had a worse performance in several cognitive functions when compared to CG subjects. In the PWEs, overweight/obesity was associated with lower educational level, older age, and cognitive impairment. Greater waist circumference, overweight, age at the first seizure, and use of polytherapy with antiseizure medications were predictive factors of memory impairment in multiple linear regression. Greater arm and calf circumference values were associated with better performance in several cognitive areas. Conclusion: the occurrence of overweight/obesity in PWEs and CG subjects was high. Cognitive impairment occurred in a high number of PWEs and was associated with overweight, greater waist circumference values, and clinical aspects of epilepsy. Better cognitive performance was associated with greater arm and calf circumference.

Ketogenic dietary therapies in epilepsy: recommendations of the Italian League against Epilepsy Dietary Therapy Study Group

A stepwise increase in the utilization of ketogenic dietary therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy has been observed in Italy in the last decade, although it is still considered often underused in many centers when compared to other countries. The Dietary Therapy Study Group of the Italian League against Epilepsy proposes practical recommendations to improve shared knowledge and facilitate the application of ketogenic dietary therapies, optimizing its efficacy and tolerability. The experts involved (11 child neuropsychiatrists, two adult neurologists, one psychologist, one pharmacologist, one pediatric endocrinologist, one representative of patients' associations, and three dietitians and clinical nutritionists) responded to a survey on current clinical practice issues and were asked to discuss controversial topics related to supplementation, long-term maintenance, transition, and a multidisciplinary approach to ketogenic dietary therapies. Practical indications for patient selection, diet initiation, management, side effects prevention, and follow-up are provided.

Dietary Quality and Diet-Related Factors Among Female Adults of Reproductive Age With and Without Disabilities Participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018

BACKGROUND

Female adults of reproductive age (18 to 44 years) with disabilities have higher rates of health-risk behaviors and chronic conditions compared with their counterparts without disabilities; however, there is limited examination of diet.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to examine associations of self-reported disability status with diet quality and diet-related factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Female adults aged 18 through 44 years were included. Disability was defined as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing, and/or running errands due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Healthy Eating Index-2015 assessed diet quality. Diet-related factors included self-rated diet healthfulness, meal characteristics, food security, and food assistance programs.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariable linear regression estimated differences in Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores for a given day and multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% CI of diet-related factors by disability status.

RESULTS

Of 3,579 female adults, 557 (16%) reported any disabilities, 207 (6%) of whom reported having 2 or more types of disabilities. Differences in mean Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores for a given day were one-third to one-half a point lower for fruits, total protein foods, and seafood and plant proteins among female adults with 2 or more types of disabilities compared with those without disabilities. Female adults with any disabilities were more likely to rate their diet as poor, have low food security, participate in food-assistance programs, and consume frozen foods or pizza, compared with those without disabilities (adjusted prevalence ratio ranged from 1.35 to 1.93); they were less likely to be the main food planner or preparer or shopper for their households.

CONCLUSIONS

Some indicators of diet quality and diet-related factors differed between female adults with and without disabilities. Additional investigation of dietary intakes and behaviors, as well as access to and availability of healthy foods, among female adults with disabilities is necessary.

The role of nutrition in canine idiopathic epilepsy management: Fact or fiction?

In the last decade, nutrition has gained interest in the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) based on growing scientific evidence. Diets can serve their functions through many pathways. One potential pathway includes the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which highlights the relationship between the brain and the intestines. Changing the brain's energy source and a number of dietary sourced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective factors appears to be the basis for improved outcomes in IE. Selecting a diet with anti-seizure effects and avoiding risks of proconvulsant mediators as well as interference with anti-seizure drugs should all be considered in canine IE. This literature review provides information about preclinical and clinical evidence, including a systematic evaluation of the level of evidence, suggested mechanism of action and interaction with anti-seizure drugs as well as pros and cons of each potential dietary adaptation in canine IE.

The Metabolic Role of Ketogenic Diets in Treating Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term neurological condition that results in recurrent seizures. Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The ketogenic diet (KD) is considered an effective alternative treatment for epileptic patients. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolic role of the KD in epilepsy. Ketone bodies induce chemical messengers and alterations in neuronal metabolic activities to regulate neuroprotective mechanisms towards oxidative damage to decrease seizure rate. Here, we discuss the role of KD on epilepsy and related metabolic disorders, focusing on its mechanism of action, favorable effects, and limitations. We describe the significant role of the KD in managing epilepsy disorders.

Insights into the Cellular Interactions and Molecular Mechanisms of Ketogenic Diet for Comprehensive Management of Epilepsy

A high-fat diet with appropriate protein and low carbohydrate content, widely known as the ketogenic diet (KD), is considered as an effective non-pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for certain types of epilepsies. Several preclinical and clinical studies have been carried out to elucidate its mechanism of antiepileptic action. Ketone bodies produced after KD's breakdown interact with cellular excito-inhibitory processes and inhibit abnormal neuronal firing. The generated ketone bodies decrease glutamate release by inhibiting the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and alter the transmembrane potential by hyperpolarization. Apart from their effect on the well-known pathogenic mechanisms of epilepsy, some recent studies have shown the interaction of KD metabolites with novel neuronal targets, particularly adenosine receptors, adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel, mammalian target of rapamycin, histone deacetylase, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptors, and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes to suppress seizures. The role of KD in augmenting gut microbiota as a potential mechanism for epileptic seizure suppression has been established. Furthermore, some recent findings also support the beneficial effect of KD against epilepsy- associated comorbidities. Despite several advantages of the KD in epilepsy management, its use is also associated with a wide range of side effects. Hypoglycemia, excessive ketosis, acidosis, renal stones, cardiomyopathies, and other metabolic disturbances are the primary adverse effects observed with the use of KD. However, in some recent studies, modified KD has been tested with lesser side effects and better tolerability. The present review discusses the molecular mechanism of KD and its role in managing epilepsy and its associated comorbidities.

Dietary effects on antiseizure drug metabolism and management of epilepsy

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the influences of food-drug interactions on the metabolism of antiseizure medications (ASM) and the management of epilepsy. Studies have proven the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet (KD) in controlling refractory epilepsy. However, dietary interventions such as the KD or its variants may induce significant changes in serum drug concentrations which counteracts the anticonvulsive effects of ASMs, leading to an increased risk of developing seizures. Interactions with enzymes within the cytochrome P450 system may also explain the dietary influences on serum concentrations of antiseizure drugs. The bioavailability of ASMs is also affected by several foods and nutritional supplements. Nevertheless, more studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying food-drug interactions and the risks and benefits of combined drug-diet therapy.

The place of a ketogenic diet in the treatment of resistant epilepsy: a comprehensive review

Objective: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carb diet. Ketone bodies increase in the blood due to low carbohydrate content and high-fat content in the diet. The most important feature of the ketogenic diet is that it causes the production of ketone bodies in the liver. Ketone bodies are an alternative fuel to glucose for the brain and form the structure necessary for the cell membrane and biosynthesis of triglycerides. The ketogenic diet provides evidence on seizure control with anticonvulsant effects. In this review, the positive/negative effects of KD on seizure control, place, importance, quality of life, cognition, and behavior in the treatment of resistant epilepsy were examined.Methods: Scientific information on the subject was obtained from the literature accessed through databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.Results: Although it has started to be used as a treatment method in many diseases today, the main area of effect of KD is drug-resistant epilepsy. In order for the ketogenic diet to be successful in these patients, it is necessary to choose the appropriate patient, medical treatment and diet plan, inform the patient sufficiently, and perform frequent monitoring in accordance with the follow-up criteria. It is argued that KD is one of the most effective treatments for epilepsy.Conclusion: The fact that KDs generally have a restricted diet pattern, the need for supplementation, biochemical findings and possible side effects raise the issue of diet sustainability. More clinical studies are needed to generalize.

Ketogenic diet: a therapeutic alternative in pediatric refractory epilepsies

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ketogenic diet (KD) on refractory epilepsies, especially in children. In this category of patients, a strong collaboration between the healthcare providers and the full engagement of parents is required. The regimen is significantly effective for different types of epilepsy that are resistant to medical treatment. It can also be used as a first-line treatment, given its well tolerance. Treatment has been rolled out for children but research into its use in adults is promising. There is no international or national protocol, the implementation of this diet follows a rigor being specific to every ketogenic center. The understanding of the underlying mechanisms is not well elucidated, it would make it possible to optimize the clinical use of the ketogenic diet, but also to develop novel antiepileptic treatments. This article aims to review the different variants of KD and their prescription terms in children with intractable epilepsy. Keywords: drug-resistant epilepsy, ketogenic diet, children, Modified Atkins Diet.

Super-refractory status epilepticus and ketogenic diet in intensive care: a series report

Super-refractory status epilepticus is defined as seizures that persist or reemerge in the setting of an intravenous anesthetic infusion for more than 24 hours. In recent years, attention has been driven to the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet in the management of these patients. However, the specific role of this strategy in the adult population, as well as its underlying mechanism of action and optimal time for the initiation and management of complications, remain widely debatable. We report a case series of three patients admitted to an intensive care unit due to super-refractory status epilepticus who were managed with a ketogenic diet and propose a clinical approach to its initiation, transition, and management of clinical intercurrences.

Metabolic Derangement in Pediatric Patient with Obesity: The Role of Ketogenic Diet as Therapeutic Tool

Obesity is defined as a condition characterized by an excessive fat accumulation that has negative health consequences. Pediatric obesity is associated with an increased risk for many diseases, including impaired glycemic and lipidic control that may lead to the development of chronic, and potentially disabling, pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular events, in adult life. The therapeutic strategy initially starts with interventions that are aimed at changing lifestyle and eating behavior, to prevent, manage, and potentially reverse metabolic disorders. Recently, the ketogenic diet (KD) has been proposed as a promising dietary intervention for the treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors related to obesity in adults, and a possible beneficial role has also been proposed in children. KD is very low in carbohydrate, high in fat, and moderate to high in protein that may have the potential to promote weight loss and improve lipidic derangement, glycemic control, and insulin sensitivity. In this review, we present metabolic disorders on glycemic and lipidic control in children and adolescents with obesity and indication of KD in pediatrics, discussing the role of KD as a therapeutic tool for metabolic derangement. The results of this review may suggest the validity of KD and the need to further research its potential to address metabolic risk factors in pediatric obesity.

Evaluation of the Modified Atkins Diet for the Treatment of Epileptic Spasms Refractory to Hormonal Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the modified Atkins diet in children with epileptic spasms who had failed hormonal therapy.

METHODS

Children aged 9 months to 3 years having daily epileptic spasms despite a trial of ACTH or oral prednisolone and 1 additional anticonvulsant medication were enrolled. Children were randomly assigned to receive the modified Atkins diet either immediately or after a delay of 4 weeks. The ongoing anticonvulsant medications were continued unchanged. The primary outcome variable was the proportion of children who achieved spasm freedom as per parental reports at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included time to spasm cessation, proportion of children with electroclinical remission, the proportion of children with >50% reduction of spasms at 4 weeks, and adverse effects of the diet. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03807141).

RESULTS

A total of 91 children were enrolled in the study; 46 in the diet group and 45 in the control group. At the end of 4 weeks, 11 children in the diet group were spasm free compared with none in the control group (P ≤ .001). The median time to achieve spasm cessation was 10 days (interquartile range 9-20). Nine of these had resolution of hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalography (EEG). Thirty (65.2%) in the diet group had >50% reduction in spasms, compared with none in the control group (P < .001). The most common side effect was constipation, noted in 34.8% of the children.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Atkins diet was found to be effective and well tolerated in children with epileptic spasms refractory to hormonal therapy.

Evaluation of E-Health Applications for Paediatric Patients with Refractory Epilepsy and Maintained on Ketogenic Diet

E-health technologies improve healthcare quality and disease management. The aim of this study was to develop a ketogenic diet management app as well as a website about this dietary treatment and to evaluate the benefits of giving caregivers access to various web materials designed for paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy. Forty families participated in the questionnaire survey, from January 2016 to March 2016. All caregivers were exposed to paper-based materials about the ketogenic diet, whereas only 22 received the app, called KetApp, and videos produced by dieticians. Caregivers with free access to web materials were more satisfied than the others with the informative material provided by the centre (p ≤ 0.001, Mann-Whitney test). Indeed, they showed a better attitude towards treatment, and they became more aware of dietary management in comparison to the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, caregivers provided with web materials were stimulated to pursue the treatment (p = 0.002) and to introduce it to their children and other people (p = 0.001). Additionally, caregivers supplied with web materials were more willing to help other families in choosing the ketogenic diet (p = 0.004). Overall, these findings indicate that web materials are beneficial for caregivers of paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy in our centres. Thus, the use of e-health applications could be a promising tool in the daily aspects of ketogenic diet management, and it is especially of value in the attempt to start or maintain the diet during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Effect of the ketogenic diet in excitable tissues

In the past decade, ketogenic diet (KD) has gained some popularity as a potential treatment for a wide range of diseases, including neurological and metabolic disorders, thanks to a beneficial role mainly related to its anti-inflammatory properties. The high-fat and carbohydrate-restricted regimen causes changes in the metabolism, leading, through the β-oxidation of fatty acids, to the hepatic production of ketone bodies (KBs), which are used by many extrahepatic tissues as energy fuels. Once synthetized, KBs are delivered through the systemic circulation to all the tissues of the organism, where they play pleiotropic roles acting directly and indirectly on various targets, and among them ion channels and neurotransmitters. Moreover, they can operate as signaling metabolites and epigenetic modulators. Therefore, it is inappropriate to consider that the KD regimen can improve the patients' clinical condition simply by means of specific and localized effects; rather, it is more correct to think that KBs affect the organism as a whole. In this review, we tried to summarize the recent knowledge of the effects of KBs on various tissues, with a particular attention on the excitable ones, namely the nervous system, heart, and muscles.

Possible interplay between the theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the oldest known neurological disorders and is characterized by recurrent seizure activity. It has a high incidence rate, affecting a broad demographic in both developed and developing countries. Comorbid conditions are frequent in patients with epilepsy and have detrimental effects on their quality of life. Current management options for epilepsy include the use of anti-epileptic drugs, surgery, or a ketogenic diet. However, more than 30% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy exhibit drug resistance to anti-epileptic drugs. Further, surgery and ketogenic diets do little to alleviate the symptoms of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms of pharmacoresistant epilepsy to design newer and more effective anti-epileptic drugs. Several theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy have been suggested over the years, the most common being the gene variant hypothesis, network hypothesis, multidrug transporter hypothesis, and target hypothesis. In our review, we discuss the main theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and highlight a possible interconnection between their mechanisms that could lead to the development of novel therapies for pharmacoresistant epilepsy.