BMJ Neurology Open (Sep 2021)

Clinical and magnetic resonance study of a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis treated with ketogenic diet

  • Gian Luigi Gigli,
  • Mariarosaria Valente,
  • Ilaria Del Negro,
  • Daniele Bagatto,
  • Riccardo Garbo,
  • Christian Lettieri,
  • Andrea Bernardini,
  • Annacarmen Nilo,
  • Maria Rosaria Peri,
  • Davide Pecori

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjno-2021-000176
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 2

Abstract

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Background Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a latent and mutant measles virus which is extremely rare in developed countries. The lack of effective treatments leads to the research of other anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatments.Case Here we present a case of a 17-year-old patient affected by subacute sclerosing panencephalitis who manifest a dramatic improvement in neurological and general clinical conditions, as well as an arrest in the progression of demyelinating process in the central nervous system, after the beginning of a high ratio ketogenic diet.Conclusions Given its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic effects, we believe that ketogenic diet utilisation could be a rational approach, can be considered a safe add-on therapy, carrying on with only a minimal risk of adverse effects or interactions.