Medical Student Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Introduction: The project aims to retrospectively evaluate patient outcomes associated with different deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices at Hackensack Meridian Health and its affiliated centers. Current literature highlights that DBS in the subthalamic nucleus improves motor function and quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. Medtronic is the leading FDA-approved manufacturer of DBS devices, with physicians at the study sites primarily using this system. Through the creation of a predictive model, this study will provide insights that will enhance care quality and outcomes in Parkinson’s disease management.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with Parkinson’s Disease who received Medtronic DBS devices between October 2021 and October 2024. Data collection included UPDRS motor scores at approximately 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-implantation. Decision tree, polynomial, random forest, and linear regressions were conducted.
Results: The mean UPDRS scores at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 9.55, 9.033, 8.13, and 8.59, respectively, indicating an improving trend in motor function over the follow-up year. The model that best describes the data was linear regression, with mean squared error (MSE) of 3.46 and an R² of .82. A degree 2 polynomial regression model yielded mean squared error and R² values of 13.03 and .32, respectively. Decision tree analysis yielded mean squared error of 28.06 and R² of -.46. Random forest regression produced R² of 15.03 and a standard deviation of .22.
Conclusion : The linear regression model had the best predictive value, as it explained 82% of variance and had the lowest MSE. Our analysis indicated that this test is a strong predictor of UPDRS motor scores in Parkinson's patients with Medtronic DBS stimulators. As this intervention is critical for managing movement disorders unresponsive to conventional therapies, understanding device-specific outcomes supports more personalized treatment choices.
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