Objective: We aim to evaluate the efficacy of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on reducing medication in Parkinson´s disease patients.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Dopaminergic therapies are effective but most cases need progressive dose increases. Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective nonpharmacological method to treat PD motor symptoms, when fluctuations appear.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical outcome in 44 patients from one center, who had preoperative and postoperative evaluations at 6 months and 2 years. Medications were converted to levodopa equivalent daily dose to calculate changes in total levodopa equivalent daily dose. Changes in the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale and the presence of non-motor symptoms during the follow-up was also measured.

Results: The main reduction in levodopa equivalent dose was 46.4 % after the surgery. This reduction was maintained after 6 months. After two years, there were no statistical differences (45.9 %). The reduction in UPDRS-III was 47.9 %, without differences after two years.

Conclusions: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is effective in the treatment of Parkinson´s disease with a long-term effect, measured not only by reduction in UPDRS-II but also accompanied by a reduction in medication.

References: Alexoudi A, Shalash A, Knudsen K, Witt K, Mehdorn M, Volkmann J, et al. The medical treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease receiving subthalamic neurostimulation. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2015;21(6):555-60. Zibetti M, Pesare M, Cinquepalmi A, Rosso M, Bergamasco B, Ducati A, et al. Antiparkinsonian therapy modifications in PD patients after STN DBS: A retrospective observational analysis. Park Relat Disord. 2008;14(8):608-12.

« Back to 2018 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-stn-dbs-on-medication-reduction/