Efficacy of daily versus intermittent low glycemic index therapy diet in children with drug-resistant epilepsy: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The predominant reason for the discontinuation of low glycemic index therapy (LGIT) in children with epilepsy is the dietary restrictions imposed therein. This trial intended to compare the efficacy of daily and intermittent LGIT in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS: This study was performed between February 2018 and January 2019 to compare the efficacy of daily and intermittent LGIT in children aged 1-15 years with DRE following 24 weeks of dietary therapy. Compliance, the difficulty faced by caregivers, adverse effects, impact on behaviour, and social quotient in both arms were compared. Children in the intermittent LGIT arm received a liberalized diet for two days every week (Saturday and Sunday), which also allowed medium glycemic index foods. Carbohydrate calories were allowed up to 20% of the total caloric requirement in the liberalized diet, as compared to only 10% in standard LGIT. RESULTS: Out of 132 children randomized (66 in each group), 122 completed 24 weeks follow up. Mean weekly seizure frequency reduction at 24 weeks in the intermittent LGIT group was comparable with that of the daily LGIT group in both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analysis (-50.95%± 22.34% vs -47.16%± 23.41%, p=0.36 in ITT and -53.88%±20.54% vs -49.20%±21.87%, p=0.23) in per-protocol analysis for intermittent and daily LGIT group respectively). The proportion with ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency was also comparable between both groups (p=0.73 and 0.56 in ITT and per protocol analysis respectively). The proportion of patients with adverse events and satisfactory compliance rate also had a trend towards favoring intermittent LGIT (p=0.06 and 0.51, respectively), while caregiver difficulty was lower with intermittent LGIT (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent LGIT is comparable to daily LGIT in terms of seizure frequency reduction after 24 weeks of dietary therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number- NCT03464487, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03464487).

Segmental neurofibromatosis of face.

A 38-year-old man presented with asymptomatic skin lesions over the left side of the face of 5-years duration. He had multiple discrete soft-to-firm papules and nodules on the left side of the face along the distribution of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Histopathology examination of one of the nodules (face) showed a non-encapsulated tumor of the dermis with normal overlying epidermis. The tumor consisted of loosely spaced spindle cells and wavy collagenous strands in a clear matrix. These features were consistent with our clinical diagnosis of segmental neurofibromatosis. This case is reported for its rarity and typical manifestations.

Primary chronic osteomyelitis in the mandible: a conservative approach.

Primary chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw is an uncommon non-suppurative, chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin. It can manifest as early or adult onset and is characterised by lack of pus formation, fistula or bony sequestra formation. A 28-year-old woman presented with swelling on the left side of her mandible. On the basis of clinical, radiological and histological findings, primary chronic osteomyelitis was diagnosed. Surgical decortication and contouring of the affected bone was performed and no signs of recurrence were seen at 2-year follow-up. Hence we emphasise the importance of decortication over peripheral or segmental resection of the jaw for the treatment of primary chronic osteomyelitis since this procedure is less aggressive and more functionally and aesthetically acceptable.