Objective: To evaluate the potential of our previously developed data visualization platform for the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) as a tool for assessing the efficacy of interventions in Parkinson’s disease.

Background: Previously, we developed a novel data visualization platform that organizes Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) scores into intuitive, anatomically-oriented displays (cited in reference). We demonstrated it utility in displaying meaningful levels of severity and changes to medication durign ON/OFF testing. We have expanded its utility to the evaluation of DBS outcomes.

Method: We applied the visualization tool to a 71-year-old female with tremor-predominant Parkinson’s disease, who underwent bilateral STN DBS, comparing her baseline MDS-UPDRS scores to her 6-month postoperative evaluation. The key to the visualization scale is shown in [1,2]

Results: The visualization tool displayed MDS-UPDRS Parts I–IV scores in an anatomically-oriented, color-coded format, comparing baseline (E1) with 6-month postoperative scores (E2) off medication and on stimulation. The change visualization indicated symptom improvements (green and blue) and worsening (yellow to red), highlighting clinically meaningful improvements post-DBS, particularly in tremor-related areas [3]. This patient had a good response overall.  The tool can highlight areas in other patients who have incomplete improvements for targeting stimulation or medication adjustments.

Conclusion: Our visualization tool effectively demonstrates clinically meaningful changes in MDS-UPDRS scores following DBS intervention. Based on this display, clinicians can readily identify areas requiring therapeutic adjustments, either through medication or stimulation changes. This method also demonstrates the potential to fully leverage the MDS-UPDRS for tracking longitudinal therapeutic outcomes across various interventions in Parkinson’s disease.

Figure 1

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References: Hixson J, Quintero JE, Guiliani A, Yamasaki TR, Gerhardt GA, Slevin JT, van Horne CG. Visualization of the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Results. J Parkinsons Dis. 2023;13(3):421-426. doi: 10.3233/JPD-225071. PMID: 36938741; PMCID: PMC10200163.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-data-visualization-tool-to-improve-interpretation-of-mds-updrs-results-post-dbs/