Optimal clinical management of children receiving ketogenic parenteral nutrition: a clinical practice guide

Abstract

Aim: To give evidence-based recommendations on the application of ketogenic diet parenteral nutrition (KD-PN) in emergency situations. Method: An international group of experts (n=14) researched the literature and distributed a survey among 150 expert centers. International accepted guidelines (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism/European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and handbooks for parenteral nutrition were considered general standards of care. Results: In the literature, we identified 35 reports of patients treated by KD-PN. International guidelines and handbooks provided some conflicting information. Twenty-four expert teams from nine countries responded to the survey, reflecting the limited clinical experience. Interpretation: This paper highlights 23 consensus-based recommendations for safe and effective KD-PN (e.g. diet initiation, calculation, application, monitoring, and evaluation) based on the best evidence available and expert opinions. What this paper adds: In acute settings, ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) can be administered parenterally. Parenteral administration of KDT should be started only at the intensive care unit. Initiate ketogenic parenteral nutrition stepwise to the highest ratio possible with the lowest level of complications. Evaluate the risk–benefit ratio of parenteral administration continuously. Restart enteral feeding as soon as appropriate.