The long-term efficacy of STN vs GPi deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis assessed the long-term efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus interna (GPi) for Parkinson disease (PD).

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases were searched. Outcomes were unified Parkinson disease rating scale section (UPDRS) III off-medication score, Parkinson's disease questionnaire: 39 activities of daily living (PDQ-39 ADL) score, and levodopa-equivalent dosage after DBS.

During the off-medication state, pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of UPDRS III score was .69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.77 to 3.16, P = .58). In subgroup analysis, WMD of UPDRS III off-medication scores from baseline to 2 years and 3 years post-DBS were -.61 (95% CI = -2.97 to 1.75, P = .61) and 2.59 (95% CI = -2.30 to 7.47, P = .30). Pooled WMD of changes in tremor, rigidity, and gait scores were 1.12 (95% CI = -0.05 to 2.28, P = .06), 1.22 (95% CI = -0.51 to 2.94, P = .17) and .37 (95% CI = -0.13 to 0.87, P = .15), respectively. After DBS, pooled WMD of PDQ-39 ADL and LED were -3.36 (95% CI = -6.36 to -0.36, P = .03) and 194.89 (95% CI = 113.16 to 276.63, P < .001).

STN-DBS and GPi-DBS improve motor function and activities of daily living for PD. Differences in the long-term efficacy for PD on motor symptoms were not observed.