In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of subthalamic nucleus (SN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Researchers suggested that SN-DBS is safe and associated with improved treatment outcomes for these patients.
Some background
PD affects the brain cells. The brain cells of patients with PD lose their ability to control certain body functions. The standard treatment for this disease is levodopa alone or in combinations. However, long-term treatment with levodopa is associated with negative side effects.
SN-DBS consists of placing a medical device into the brain that sends electrical impulses to specific brain areas. Prior studies have shown the effectiveness of SN-DBS. However, these studies have limitations such as not including a placebo control. Therefore, more studies with a placebo control and a significant number of participants are necessary.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 313 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Of these, 196 patients received a SN-DBS implant. 160 patients were then assigned to either active stimulation (121) or to the control group (39) for 3 months. The control group received a very low stimulation that would not produce effects. The main outcomes measured were the change in the waking hours per day with symptom control between the start of the trial and after 3 months. After the 3 months period, all patients received SN-DBS active treatment for up to 5 years.
After 3 months, patients in the active group had 3.03 hours more per day without PD symptoms compared to the control group.
13% of all patients reported serious side effects during the 3-month period. Of these, 18 events were reported in the active group and 8 in the control group. These included falls and involuntary movements. No serious side effects were related to the stimulation.
The bottom line
This study concluded that SN-DBS is a good and safe treatment option for patients with PD.
Published By :
The Lancet. Neurology
Date :
Jun 01, 2020
