Lung function in post-poliomyelitis syndrome: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare lung function between patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome and those with sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis (without any signs or symptoms of post-poliomyelitis syndrome), as well as between patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome and healthy controls.


METHODS
Twenty-nine male participants were assigned to one of three groups: control; poliomyelitis (comprising patients who had had paralytic poliomyelitis but had not developed post-poliomyelitis syndrome); and post-poliomyelitis syndrome. Volunteers underwent lung function measurements (spirometry and respiratory muscle strength assessment).


RESULTS
The results of the spirometric assessment revealed no significant differences among the groups except for an approximately 27% lower mean maximal voluntary ventilation in the post-poliomyelitis syndrome group when compared with the control group (p = 0.0127). Nevertheless, the maximal voluntary ventilation values for the post-poliomyelitis group were compared with those for the Brazilian population and were found to be normal. No significant differences were observed in respiratory muscle strength among the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
With the exception of lower maximal voluntary ventilation, there was no significant lung function impairment in outpatients diagnosed with post-poliomyelitis syndrome when compared with healthy subjects and with patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis without post-poliomyelitis syndrome. This is an important clinical finding because it shows that patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome can have preserved lung function.
Federal University of Goiás at Jataí, Jataí, Brazil.
Claudio Andre Barbosa de
CA
Lira
Fábio Carderelli
FC
Minozzo
Bolivar Saldanha
BS
Sousa
Rodrigo Luiz
RL
Vancini
Marília dos Santos
Mdos S
Andrade
Abrahão Augusto Juviniano
AA
Quadros
Acary Souza Bulle
AS
Oliveira
Antonio Carlos
AC
da Silva
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008451:Maximal Voluntary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013147:Spirometry; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology*