Gender Difference in Outcome of Subthalamic Nucleus-deep Brain Stimulation in Japan

Some studies showed a gender difference with the predominance of men in the prevalence of Parkinson's disease, and such a trend in Asia, particularly in Japan, is opposite to that in Western countries. Hence, the gender difference in the outcome of subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation has stimulated the interest. The aim of this study was to clarify the gender difference in the outcome of Parkinson's disease in Japanese patients. The subjects were 57 patients with Parkinson's disease. The gender difference in outcome was studied retrospectively on the basis of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score and score improvement rate in the short- (1 month) and long-term (5 years). In the postoperative state, statistically significant gender differences were noted in the improvement rates of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale total and part III scores during the off-period in the short term. There was no significant gender difference in the long term. This study is the first on the gender difference in the outcome of Parkinson's disease in Japan. Some significant gender differences were noted in the short term with a higher improvement rate in women.