Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, often associated with motor complications, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and increased care costs in advanced stages. Neuromodulation, especially deep brain stimulation, represents a therapeutic alternative for selected patients.
Objective: To characterize the clinical, epidemiological, therapeutic, and economic profile of patients with Parkinson's disease followed at a tertiary center and to estimate the proportion of individuals eligible for neuromodulation.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study included 4,060 patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease followed from January 2022 to December 2025. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, functional scales, therapeutic regimen, eligibility criteria for neuromodulation, and cost-effectiveness estimates were analyzed. Comparisons with data from the literature were performed using appropriate statistical tests, considering a significance of p<0.05.
Results: The sample was predominantly male, with a median age of 69 years, and a median time of evolution of 8 years. Motor complications occurred in 58.4% of the patients, a frequency higher than that described in general populations. In all, 893 patients were considered eligible for neuromodulation, corresponding to 22.0% of the sample. The economic analysis estimated a reduction in annual costs after neuromodulation, with an average saving of R$ 8,247 per patient/year and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of R$ 46,505 per QALY.
Conclusion: The study population presented a clinical profile compatible with advanced Parkinson's disease, a high frequency of motor complications and a significant proportion of patients potentially eligible for neuromodulation. The data suggest a possible clinical and economic benefit of the structured incorporation of this therapeutic strategy.