Poliomielitis y síndrome pospoliomielítico en Argentina

Introduction

The development of new symptoms of weakness, pain and fatigue decades after having experienced poliomyelitis is known as post-polio syndrome (PPS). In Argentina, there is no data available on its prevalence.

Objectives

To determine the impact and sequelae of polio survivors in Argentina. To identify and characterize patients with PPS.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study that included 698 patients from different provinces of Argentina with a history of poliomyelitis, between 2019 and 2022. Online and telephone surveys were conducted regarding socioeconomic variables, age of polio diagnosis, PPS symptoms, diagnostic studies, and treatment.

Results

Most patients experienced polio between 1 and 3 years of age (mean 1.48). PPS was observed in 61,8% of the patients. Common PPS symptoms reported were increased weakness (89%), muscle pain (77%), sleep disorders (76%), and fatigue (8%). The average age of symptom onset was 50 years. Most patients reported difficulties in receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of PPS was significantly more frequent in women (60,04%) compared to men (39,95%) (p = 0.000).

Conclusions

61,8% of polio survivors in Argentina have PPS. Recognizing PPS and its prevalence will help in planning public policies aimed at proper diagnosis and treatment.