Ketogenic Diet Therapy in Pediatric Neurology: From Epilepsy to Emerging Indications

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate nutritional intervention that shifts systemic metabolism toward ketone body production, offering a powerful alternative energy substrate for the developing brain. Its most established indication remains refractory pediatric epilepsy, where it is recognised as a first-line therapy when antiseizure medications fail. Beyond epilepsy, clinical evidence supports its use in specific inherited metabolic disorders with neurological impact, including glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) deficiency and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, where it bypasses defective glucose-dependent pathways. More recently, interest has grown in its potential role in neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, though evidence remains preliminary. Despite this expanding landscape, inconsistent protocols, limited long-term safety data, and the absence of standardised pediatric guidelines continue to hinder individualised implementation. This Research Topic aims to consolidate current clinical evidence, update mechanistic understanding, and address practical challenges in applying KD therapy across pediatric neurological conditions.Goal This Research Topic seeks to bridge the gap between emerging evidence and clinical practice in pediatric neurology. By bringing together original research, clinical trials, and translational studies, it aims to clarify therapeutic mechanisms, compare dietary protocols, and define safety benchmarks specific to children and adolescents with neurological conditions. The goal is to provide pediatric neurologists and multidisciplinary teams with evidence-based guidance to support rational, safe, and individualised KD implementation in routine care.Scope and Information for Authors This Research Topic welcomes original research, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and case series focused on ketogenic diet use in pediatric neurological settings. Contributions are invited across the following themes:a. Clinical efficacy and mechanisms of KD in pediatric epilepsy, including drug-resistant and genetic epilepsiesb. KD applications in inherited neurometabolic disorders (GLUT1 deficiency, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and related conditions)c. Exploratory evidence for KD in neurodevelopmental conditions including autism spectrum disorder and ADHDd. Long-term neurological outcomes, nutritional monitoring, and safety in pediatric KD therapye. Standardisation of KD protocols and multidisciplinary management in clinical practiceSubmissions highlighting innovative protocols, real-world implementation, and evidence-based translation are particularly encouraged. Topic editors: Hao Li, JIANXIANG LIAO Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82013/ketogenic-diet-therapy-in-pediatric-neurology-from-epilepsy-to-emerging-indications