title: Ketogenic diet and childhood neurological disorders other than epilepsy: an overview.
abstract: In the last years, ketogenic diet (KD) has been experimentally utilized in various childhood neurologic disorders such as mitochondriopathies, alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), brain tumors, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this review is to analyze how KD can target these different medical conditions, highlighting possible mechanisms involved. Areas covered: We have conducted an analysis on literature concerning KD use in mitochondriopathies, AHC, brain tumors, migraine, and ASD. Expert commentary: The role of KD in reducing seizure activity in some mitochondriopathies and its efficacy in pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency is known. Recently, few cases suggest the potentiality of KD in decreasing paroxysmal activity in children affected by AHC. A few data support its potential use as co-adjuvant and alternative therapeutic option for brain cancer, while any beneficial effect of KD on migraine remains unclear. KD could improve cognitive and social skills in a subset of children with ASD.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital , L'Aquila , Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verrotti
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila, San Salvatore Hospital , L'Aquila , Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iapadre
authors.affiliation: b Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry , University of Salerno , Salerno , Italy.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pisano
authors.affiliation: c Department of Child Neuropsychiatry , University of Salerno , Salerno , Italy.
authors.forename: Giangennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coppola
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy; D055423:Diet, Ketogenic; D004827:Epilepsy; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000178:diet therapy; D006801:Humans; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy*
keywords: Ketogenic diet; alternating hemiplegia; autism; brain tumors; migraine; mitochondrial diseases