Long-term efficacy of globus pallidus stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term efficacy and safety of globus pallidus internus (GPi) stimulation for Parkinson's disease (PD).


BACKGROUND
We previously reported 3-month data for 5 patients who underwent GPi stimulation for PD. We now report long-term data on these 5 patients and 4 additional patients.


METHODS
Nine PD patients, 5 men and 4 women, with an average age of 49 years and disease duration of 10 years, underwent GPi stimulation. Six patients had staged bilateral implants and 3 patients had unilateral implants. The mean follow-up was 48.5 months. All patients were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and completed 2-day diaries before and after surgery.


RESULTS
There was a 21% improvement in UPDRS Part II (activities of daily living; ADL) scores and a 37% improvement in UPDRS Part III (motor) scores when the longest follow-up in the 'stimulation-on/medication-off' state was compared to the 'medication-off' state at baseline. The UPDRS Part II (ADL) scores improved by 30% and the UPDRS Part III (motor) scores improved by 39% when the longest follow-up in the 'stimulation-on/mediation-on' state was compared to the 'medication-on' state at baseline. As measured by patient diaries, 'on' time increased from 25 to 59% and 'on with dyskinesia' decreased from 42 to 15%. Surgical- and device-related complications included transient hemiparesis in the operating room, postoperative seizures, and implantable pulse generator and lead problems. There were seven device-related events requiring additional surgical procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
GPi stimulation continues to be effective for the long-term treatment of the disabling symptoms of PD; however, the physician and patient should be aware that device-related problems are not uncommon and additional surgery may be necessary.
Lyons
Kelly E
KE
Department of Neurology, University of Miami Medical Center, Miami, Fla., USA. lyons.kelly@att.net
Wilkinson
Steven B
SB
Tröster
Alexander I
AI
Pahwa
Rajesh
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors