Subthalamic deep brain stimulation in patients with primary dystonia: A ten-year follow-up study. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deng, Zhengdao; Pan, Yixin; Zhang, Chencheng; Zhang, Jing; Qiu, Xian; Zhan, Shikun; Li, Dianyou; Sun, Bomin
• Is Part Of: Parkinsonism & related disorders. Volume 55(2018)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Primary dystonia -- Subthalamic nucleus -- Deep brain stimulation; Parkinson's disease -- Periodicals; Movement disorders -- Periodicals; Movement Disorders -- Periodicals; Nerve Degeneration -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Parkinson Disease -- Periodicals; Tremor -- Periodicals; Parkinson, Maladie de -- Périodiques; Parkinson's disease; 616.833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.05.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8020

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is a promising intervention for primary dystonia; however, evidence regarding its efficacy is lacking. Thus, a long-term follow-up is indispensable. Objective: This trial was designed to examine the efficacy and consistency of subthalamic deep brain stimulation in patients with primary dystonia over the long term. Method: This was a retrospective study involving 14 patients with primary dystonia who underwent STN-DBS and consented to a follow-up of at least 10 years. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) and 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey were employed, at five time points (pre-operation [baseline], 1 month post-operation, 1 year post-operation, 5 years post-operation, and last follow-up), to assess improvement of dystonic symptoms and changes in quality of life. Outcomes: All patients gained extensive clinical benefits from STN-DBS therapy, without experiencing serious adverse effects. Improvements of 59.0% at 1 month, 85.0% at 1 year, and 90.8% at 5 years after the operation, and up to 91.4% at the last follow-up, were demonstrated by movement evaluation with the BFMDRS. All patients achieved a substantial improvement in quality of life. Conclusion: Subthalamic deep brain stimulation is an effective and persisting alternative to pallidal deep brain stimulation, and importantly, it is very safe even with extremely long-term chronic stimulation. Highlights: Patients who underwent subthalamic DBS were followed up for over 10 years. The motor function was improved as much as 91.4% with ten-year-plus follow-up. All the patients gained extensive and persisting benefits. None of the patients experienced serious adverse effects.