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ARTICLE:
Cheryl Hemingway, John M. Freeman, Diana J. Pillas, and Paula L. Pyzik
The Ketogenic Diet: A 3- to 6-Year Follow-Up of 150 Children Enrolled Prospectively
Pediatrics 2001; 108: 898-905 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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eLetters published:

[Read eLetters] Diet Survey
Thivakorn Kasemsri   (15 October 2001)
[Read eLetters] Untitled
John M Freeman   (17 October 2001)
[Read eLetters] Ketogenic Diet and Vitamin B9
Urs W. Bosshard   (6 March 2002)

Diet Survey 15 October 2001
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Thivakorn Kasemsri,
Intensivist
Covenant Children's Hospital

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Re: Diet Survey

tkasemsri{at}home.com Thivakorn Kasemsri

Interesting information on a "cultish" medical practice. Is this what one calls an anecdote of an anecdote? I can only shake my head in awe at how this type of therapy "works". I am also humbled by how we learned and scientific physicians constantly employ therapies that we have very little mechanistic understanding. I suppose that is the "art" of medicine. As for the article itself, of course, I wished that there was a control group of patients not on the diet so that I may see if they would have had similar results with there seizures over the same period. Finally, of course, I am wary of survey results from people who may report compliance whether there was actual compliance to a regimented diet or not. The world is full of similar testimonials from people who champion one diet or another for weight loss.

Untitled 17 October 2001
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John M Freeman,
Physician
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

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Jfreeman{at}jhmi.edu John M Freeman

The ketogenic diet is NOT a "cultish" therapy. This aproach has been independantly reviewed and approved by the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Technology Assessment Center. It is now an accepted alternative approach for children with difficult to control seizures. We allso wish that we knew how the therapy works. Many are now beginning to work on its mechanisms of action. We are lookidng at the 3-6 year outcomes of children who did not stay on the diet. Perhaps they will provide a control group. Thank you for your insights.

Ketogenic Diet and Vitamin B9 6 March 2002
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Urs W. Bosshard,
Research

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Re: Ketogenic Diet and Vitamin B9

urs.bosshard{at}gmx.net Urs W. Bosshard

It is since jears well known, that e.g. LAMICTAL (Lamotrogin) is a Antagonist of Vitamin B9 (Folsäure). So, Ketogenic Diet and reduction of B9 will do the same.