Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus reduces antiparkinsonian medication costs

Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2004 Dec;10(8):475-9. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2004.05.006.

Abstract

This study reports a retrospective analysis of 16 patients to determine changes in medication costs associated with deep brain stimulation of the bilateral subthalamic nucleus (DBS B-STN). Antiparkinsonian medication (APMED) costs were evaluated pre- and post-operatively at 1 and 2 years, based on prescribed dosages. After treatment with DBS, patients experienced a 32% reduction in APMED costs after 1 year and a 39% reduction after 2 years. Hypothetical projections of total potential savings are presented, accounting for increasingly complex medication regimens and medication cost inflation. DBS patients may experience a significant long-term reduction in the cost of their pharmacologic treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Amantadine / economics
  • Amantadine / therapeutic use
  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiparkinson Agents / economics*
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Deep Brain Stimulation* / economics
  • Drug Costs
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / economics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / economics
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Models, Economic
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / economics*
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / physiology*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Levodopa
  • Amantadine