J. Ma, J. Wang, X. Song, L. Xie, X. Li, Y. Hu, S. Hong, L. Jiang, et al. (2026). Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors and Comparative Efficacy of Ketogenic Diet in Children With Spike-Wave Activation in Sleep: A Cohort Study. Pediatric neurology, 183, 31-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2026.07.010

PubMed 42526162

[Abstract]
BACKGROUND: Children with spike-wave activation in sleep (SWAS) face significant neurodevelopmental impairments, including cognitive deficits, oropharyngeal dysfunction and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While SWAS is a known contributor, the impact of specific clinical factors and the comparative efficacy of treatments like ketogenic diet (KD), steroids, and benzodiazepines (BZDs) on outcomes remain unclear.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 134 children with SWAS treated at Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (2015-2024). Clinical data, electroencephalograph, neurodevelopmental assessment, and treatment response were collected.

RESULTS: Treatment included KD (n = 11), steroids (n = 72), BZDs (n = 105, including a high-dose diazepam subgroup n = 5), and antiseizure medication (ASM) adjustments (n = 275). Higher seizure frequency correlated significantly with increased cognitive impairment (P < 0.05), oropharyngeal dysfunction (P < 0.05), ADHD (P < 0.05), and relapse rate (P < 0.05). Earlier seizure onset and SWAS onset predicted higher relapse. Structural abnormalities were associated with earlier seizure onset (P < 0.05) and greater cognitive impairment (P < 0.05). Relapse correlated with earlier onset and higher oropharyngeal dysfunction/ADHD (P < 0.05). Treatment response rates were: KD 81.8% (9/11), steroids 65.3% (47/72), BZDs 47.6% (50/105), ASM adjustments 18.9% (52/275). High-dose diazepam (0.5-1.0 mg/kg/day) achieved 80% (4/5) response. KD, steroids, and BZDs were significantly more effective than ASM adjustments (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Seizure frequency is a critical modifiable predictor of neurodevelopmental impairment and relapse in SWAS, independent of SWAS burden. Structural etiology increases cognitive impairment risk. KD demonstrates efficacy for Spike-Wave Index reduction, comparable to steroids and BZDs, with no statistically significant intergroup differences. High-dose diazepam shows promise for refractory cases. ASM adjustments, while less effective for Spike-Wave Index, offer practical seizure control.