Long-Term Follow-Up of Pediatric Patients with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy and Deep Brain Stimulation.

BACKGROUND

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been increasingly used in the management of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP). Data on long-term effects and the safety profile are rare.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the efficacy and safety of pallidal DBS in pediatric patients with DCP.

METHODS

The STIM-CP trial was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study in which patients from the parental trial agreed to be followed-up for up to 36 months. Assessments included motor and non-motor domains.

RESULTS

Of the 16 patients included initially, 14 (mean inclusion age 14 years) were assessed. There was a significant change in the (blinded) ratings of the total Dyskinesia Impairment Scale at 36 months. Twelve serious adverse events (possibly) related to treatment were documented.

CONCLUSION

DBS significantly improved dyskinesia, but other outcome parameters did not change significantly. Investigations of larger homogeneous cohorts are needed to further ascertain the impact of DBS and guide treatment decisions in DCP. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.