Table 5. DBS effects on autonomic symptoms in PD.
| Author | Year | Outcome measure | Type of study | No. of patients | Main outcome after STN DBS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumi et al.77 | 2012 | Primary: cardiovascular symptoms Spectral and transfer function analyses of cardiovascular variability. | Controlled Prospective DBS on/off | 41 (28 STN) (13 BMT) | Vagally mediated arterial-cardiac reflex improved post surgery. No difference found between DBS on/off. |
| Arai et al.70 | 2012 | Primary: gastrointestinal symptoms13 C-acetate breath test. | 3 months prospective | 16 | Improved gastric emptying. |
| Trachani et al.76 | 2012 | Primary: cardiovascular symptoms Questionnaire, BP monitoring and neurophysiological tests | 6 months prospective | 24 | No considerable positive or negative effect on ANS cardiovascular regulation, although significant reduction in orthostatic hypotension. |
| Trachani et al.17 | 2010 | Primary: sweating Semi-structured questionnaire, Sympathetic skin response | 6 months prospective | 19 | 66.7% subjective improvement. No objective improvement. |
| Winge et al.69 | 2007 | Primary: urinary symptoms Questionnaires: International Prostate Symptom Score and Danish Prostate Symptom Score Urodynamic investigation | 2-year prospective | 16 | Subjective improvement but no objective improvement found. |
| Stemper et al.75 | 2006 | Primary: cardiovascular system Head up tilt testing, (BP), RR intervals (RRI), respiration, and skin blood flow (SBF). Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) | Cross-sectional DBS on/off | 14 | Increased peripheral vasoconstriction on stimulation, improving postural hypotension in patients. |
| Seif et al.67 | 2004 | Primary: urinary system Urodynamic investigation | Cross-sectional DBS on/off | 16 | First urge to void and maximum bladder capacity improved significantly in the ON state. |
Abbreviations: BP, blood pressure; BMT, best medical therapy; BRS, baroreflex sensitivity; DBS, deep brain stimulation; RRI, RR interval; SBF, respiration and skin blood flow.