Subthalamic deep brain stimulation in patients with primary dystonia: A ten-year follow-up study

• Published in: Parkinsonism & related disorders 2018-10, Vol.55, p.103-110
• Main Authors: Deng, Zhengdao, Pan, Yixin, Zhang, Chencheng, Zhang, Jing, Qiu, Xian, Zhan, Shikun, Li, Dianyou, Sun, Bomin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Deep brain stimulation; Primary dystonia; Subthalamic nucleus
• ISSN: 1353-8020; 1873-5126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.05.024

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. This trial was designed to examine the efficacy and consistency of subthalamic deep brain stimulation in patients with primary dystonia over the long term. 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. 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. 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. •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.