Post polio sequelae in upper Egypt : an overview

الملخص EN

Poliomyelitis seems to have existed in Egypt since ancient times.

Poliomyelitis, a disease of developing countries, threatens polio victims by what is called post polio syndrome (PPS).

Polio patient, may complain of new symptoms e.g.

unaccustomed fatigue, joint and muscle pain, muscle weakness, cold intolerance and respiratory problems, 10-30 years after recovery.

The main objectives of the present study were: 1-To diagnose post polio patients among polio survivors, 2-To develop awareness communication and education between polio survivors and medical professionals, 3-To support polio survivors through giving recommendations.

A total of 150patients (90 men and 60 women) with different educational and socioeconomic levels were examined clinically and electromyographically and completed a questionnaire on their ambulatory status and related musculoskeletal and respiratory symptoms.

Their ages ranged from 17-40 years.

The age of patients at the onset of polio ranged from 6-18 months.

Patients were collected from Assiut University (doctors, employees and medical students) and Crippled Girls and Boys Centers in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt.

Of the 150 patients, (80.7%) complained of post polio syndrome symptoms with no specific electrodiagnostic findings.

Two percent were excluded from analysis because they had other chronic health problems as rheumatic fever.

Fatigue was reported most commonly 63.6%) followed by joint pain (52.9%), muscle pain (52.1%) problems of sleeping (52.1%) and muscle weakness (41%).

No one complained of respiratory problems.

There were functional problems.

In conclusion, post polio sequelae are formidable problems in our society that deserve more attention and cooperation.

This study recommends the following: (1) Establishment of a post polio clinic for beginning research on causes and treatment of post polio sequelae., (2) Spreading of awareness of post polio syndrome between polio patients and medical professionals, (3) Establishment of a post polio support group to help the post polio patients to face the second disability, protect them against the negative effects of stress, changes their lifestyle, share problems and exchange their experience.