Risk of symptoms related to late effects of poliomyelitis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the risk of developing symptoms related to late effects of poliomyelitis between polio patients and persons of similar age and sex without history of poliomyelitis.


METHODS
The study comprised information on 148 patients with prior poliomyelitis and 115 persons with no history of poliomyelitis. Information was obtained by questionnaire and analyzed by multiple logistic regression method.


RESULTS
The risk of experiencing two or more symptoms was significantly higher among the polio patients than among the persons without history of poliomyelitis. The elevation in risk was less pronounced in the nonparalytic group (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 0.92-5.97) than the group with permanent muscular weakness (OR = 8.84; 95% CI =4.32-18.09).


CONCLUSIONS
Although symptoms defined in the PPS are unspecific and may occur in the general population, the risk for developing such symptoms are higher among the polio victims. The difference in risk among nonparalytic and paralytic patients may depend on the extent of motor neuron damage in the acute stage.
Rekand
T
T
Department of Neurology, Haukeland Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Albrektsen
G
G
Langeland
N
N
Aarli
J A
JA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010291:Paresis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires