Functional Capacity And Its Correlation With Pain And Function In Subjects With Post-Polio Syndrome Across Gujarat, India

Acute polio is no longer a constant threat to people in the polio-free areas of the world,but there are still thousands of polio survivors who are at risk of developing late manifestations of the disease, known as post-polio syndrome (PPS) which presents with new or increased muscle weakness and muscle fatigability as key symptoms.This study aims to determine the functional capacity in subjects with PPS and its correlation with pain and physicalfunction.Functionalcapacitystronglycorrelateswithpain(rho=-0.60,p=0.01)andweaklycorrelateswithphysical function(rho=0.33,p=0.003).Pain is a predictor of functional capacity, and accounted for 33.7% variance, highlighting the need of appropriate intervention strategies to improve the functional capacity in individuals with PPS

Principle of Physical Activity in Patients with Post-polio Syndrome (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Proper physical activities may improve strength and endurance, and improve flexibility and coordination, which contrib-ute to improving the quality of life and independence in patients with post-polio syndrome (PPS). Patients should exer-cise in a controlled and sensible manner, avoiding intensive training and excessive muscle use, for fear that exacerbated symptoms and further loss of muscle strength appear. Exercises should not be performed until the patients have been checked and evaluated by experts, followed closely and with certain conditions. The exercise intensity should be adjust-ed and not exceed the patient's fatigue threshold. Individualized exercise prescription should be carried out after disease, surgery or injury.

Prevention of Falls in Patients with Poliomyelitis Sequelae and Post-polio Syndrome(review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Falls and fall-related injuries are common and important issues among the patients with poliomyelitis sequelae and post-polio syndrome(PPS).They have the same risk factors of falls as general elderly;in addition,fatigue,muscle and joint pain caused by poliomyelitis sequelae and PPS,and the inability to tolerate the cold can also lead to falls.Falls of-ten result in physical injury,further disability,fear of falling,and then avoidance of activity.In order to reduce falls of the patients with poliomyelitis sequela and PPS,we should evaluate the fall carefully,correct and eliminate the patient's misconceptions,analyze the cause and the mechanism,and reduce the risk factors,give the multi-disciplinary compre-hensive management plan and intervention measures,in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle,and prevent falls and avoid further disability.

Problems and Solutions in Patients with Post-polio Syndrome(review) / 中国康复理论与实践

New onset of fatigue,weakness,muscle and joint pain occurs in patients with post-polio syndrome(PPS).These symp-toms will lead patients to action and activities difficulty,such as functional limitations,which are serious,and needed to deal with,in order to avoid the emergence of injury.Adequate intensity of aerobic exercise can help the patient maintain the body's activity level,but should be individualized to avoid the burden of muscles and joints.Scientific weight con-trol is also a problem that patients with PPS should pay attention to.The PPS specialized clinic can comprehensively as-sess the patient's health status,functional limitation,and give specific recommendations for treatment,exercise,diet,and orthosis.

Lifestyle of Patients with Post-polio Syndrome to Save Physical Fitness (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Post-polio syndrome patients have limited muscle strength and endurance, and new fatigue and weakness appears at the same time, so it is necessary to save physical fitness in life. The patients are able to save their physical fitness by adjusting their lifestyle, and multidisciplinary support should be combined to alleviate symptoms and maintain function. Saving physical fitness requires the patients to achieve the following aspects, including setting up inventory of physical fitness using, consulting doctors, evaluating and improving sleep quality, weight-control, streamlining the living space, simplifying the daily work and housework, asking for help, planning rest time, attention to the weather changes, and identifying the sign of depression and isolation, etc. In family affairs such as cooking, cleaning, office, and outdoor activities, they should use the life-preserving lifestyle as much as possible.

Post-polio syndrome report of two cases

ABSTRACT Introduction. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a neurological syndrome that appears decades after an acute episode of polio. This condition decreases functional capacity until completing affecting daily activities. This event occurs in 20-80% of the people who were affected by the polio virus. It is more frequent in women and a direct correlation between the risk of developing this syndrome and the severity of the sequelae of polio has been reported. Case presentation. The objective of this article is to present two clinical cases of patients who developed post-polio syndrome approximately forty years after the initial infection. Discussion. This article seeks to question the concept of polio as a static disease, since it is a process difficult to diagnose and treat, as in both cases presented here. Conclusion. The psychological and functional impact of this disease on patients is regarded as a challenge for the health professional, since clinical needs must be identified and current barriers care reduced.

RESUMEN Introducción. El síndrome pospoliomielitis se reconoce como un trastorno neurológico que aparece décadas después de un episodio agudo de poliomielitis y disminuye la capacidad funcional hasta afectar las actividades cotidianas. El evento ocurre en un 20-80% de las personas que fueron afectadas por el virus de la poliomielitis, es más frecuente en las mujeres y existe una relación directa entre el riesgo de padecer este síndrome y el grado de severidad de las secuelas de la polio. Presentación del caso. El objetivo de este artículo es la presentación de dos casos clínicos de pacientes que presentaron este síndrome después de cerca de cuarenta años de haber presentado un episodio de poliomielitis. Discusión. Se cuestiona el concepto de la poliomielitis como una enfermedad estática; además, en los casos presentados esta patología constituye un proceso de difícil diagnóstico y manejo. Conclusión. El impacto psicológico y funcional en los pacientes se asume como un reto para el profesional de salud, puesto que se deben identificar las necesidades clínicas y reducir las barreras asistenciales existentes en la actualidad.

Treatment for Post-polio Syndrome (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

There is no specific treatment for post-polio syndrome. The common applied therapies include mediciation, exercise, cogni-tive behavioural therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, assistive technology, psychological and social factors adjustment, interdisciplinary comprehensive rehabilitation, and so on.

Concept and Pathophysiology of Post-polio Syndrome (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a syndrome after acute infection of poliovirus and sequelae of polio. The incidence of PPS is high, and more in old patients. The pathological features of PPS include chronic nerve damage affected muscles, result in fatigue, pain, breathing and sleep disorders, fall risk, and so on, which impair their health and quality of life. The hypotheses of pathogenesis of PPS in-clude over load of motor neurons, and the continuous existence of the poliovirus, etc. PPS is a stable neuromuscular disease progressing slowly.

Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Post-polio Syndrome (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) usually appears decades after acute polio infection, characterized as progressive muscle weak-ness, fatigue, pain, muscle atrophy, poor endurance, intolerance of cold, sleep apnea, water choking cough, and difficulty in swallowing, etc., resulting in a decline in physical function. As an insidious disease, it is very important to identify and diagnose PPS.

Assessment of Patients with Post-polio Syndrome (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Post-polio syndrome involves a variety of clinical manifestations, which need multi-dimensional evaluation measurement. Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), muscle strength testing, laboratory test, imaging study, the sleep quality assessment, electro-physiological test, pain score, functional independence measure, moving obstacles evaluation, physical activity situation, walking ability as-sessment, the Medical Outcomes Study health survey short form, and evaluation of mental health scale are in common use in the studies.

Treinamento muscular inspiratório e desmame ventilatório de paciente com síndrome pós-pólio / Inspiratory muscle training and ventilation weaning in patient with post-polio syndrome

A síndrome pós-pólio (SPP) é a recidiva dos sintomas da poliomielite anterior aguda (PAA), e o quadro é caracterizado por fraqueza muscular flácida assimétrica, com frequente comprometimento respiratório e de deglutição, além dos distúrbios de sono. O presente estudo relata o caso de uma paciente idosa, em ventilação mecânica domiciliar. Investiu-se no treinamento muscular inspiratório (TMI) com Powerbreathe® por 30 repetições por 2 vezes ao dia, durante 4 semanas, associado a um programa de exercícios físicos. Tal estratégia apresentou como desfecho o desmame da ventilação mecânica (VM), assim como melhora concomitante na Pimax e Mensuração de Independência Funcional (MIF), retornando ao final deste curto programa de reabilitação a realizar atividades laborais em domicílio. O presente relato de caso conclui que o emprego da TMI em pacientes com SPP pode ser uma estratégia promissora para o desmame ventilatório. (AU)

The post-polio syndrome (PPS) is the recurrence of the symptoms of acute anterior poliomyelitis (AAP), and characterized by asymmetrical flaccid muscle weakness, with respiratory and swallowing impairment, in addition to sleep disorders. The present study reports the case of an elderly patient in home mechanical ventilation. We invested in inspiratory muscle training (IMT) ® with Powerbreathe for 30 repetitions, twice daily, during 4 weeks, associated with a program of physical exercise. This strategy showed weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV), as well as a concomitant improvement in Pimax and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), returning at the end of this short rehabilitation program to perform work activities at home. This case study concludes that the use of IMT in patients with PPS may be a promising strategy for weaning. (AU)

Correlation between aerobic capacity and fatigue in subjects with post- polio syndrome.

Introduction: Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is defined by Halstead and Ross as having a period of at least 15 years of neurologic and functional stability followed by onset of two or more of the following new health problems: unexplained fatigue, muscle or joint pain, muscle weakness, and cold intolerance and exclusion of other medical diagnosis. Fatigue occurs in 59-89% of PPS patients.Aerobic capacity during functional activities may also decrease in subjects with PPS which may lead to fatigue or vice versa. This study aimed to correlate the aerobic capacity using the 2 minute walk distance (2MWD) with fatigue using Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in subjects with PPS. Material and methods: An observational study using convenience sampling was conducted in a community setting, in Surat on 19 individuals with PPS. Inclusion criteria were according to the old Halstead criteria and individuals who were able to walk with and without walking aids. Individuals who were on psychotropic medications, a diagnosed respiratory or cardiac condition, who were uncooperative due to cognitive impairment and those who were unwilling to participate were excluded. Outcome measures were Two Minute Walk distance (2MWD) for aerobic capacity and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) for fatigue. The subjects were asked to fill a questionnaire which included their demographic data and the Fatigue Severity Scale. They were asked to walk on a25 m long corridor as far as they could, for 2 minutes. They were explained that if they felt breathless or fatigued, then they could stop. At the completion of 2 minutes, distance was recorded. Results: The mean 2MWD was 76.02±1.37 m and FSS was 40.25±3.50. The value of Spearman’s correlation coefficient was -0.46 (p=0.48).The study shows moderate correlation between FSS and 2MWD which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Fatigue influences the aerobic capacity of subjects with post- polio syndrome and vice versa.

Case report of rehabilitation of a subject with post polio syndrome.

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) affects polio survivor’s years after the initial polio attack. They report new musculoskeletal symptoms. The purpose of this case report was to determine the effect of a physical therapy intervention on these symptoms in a 53 year old male subject with residual poliomyelitis of left lower limb more than right. Strengthening and aerobic exercises along with lifestyle modification advices were found to be beneficial with respect to all outcome measures taken after 4 and 12 weeks of program, with deterioration in none. This is a first case report documenting benefits of physical therapy following PPS in India. Its findings support the use of exercise in subjects with late effects of poliomyelitis and provide clinically valuable knowledge regarding the treatment efficacy of PPS exercise regimens.

Muscle Weakness in a Patient with History of Poliomyelitis: A Differential Diagnosis for Post-polio Syndrome (PPS) and Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, characterized by inflammation of the proximal skeletal muscles and typical skin manifestations, which results in symmetric muscle weakness. A 43-year-old man was presented with skin rash and left leg weakness, and he had a history of poliomyelitis. Initially, he was diagnosed as having post-polio syndrome (PPS) due to unilateral muscle weakness and a result of an the electromyography (EMG), which had shown patterns of PPS. After 4 months with conservative therapy for PPS, weakness of bilateral upper arms had developed and skin rashes on his entire body had aggravated and progressed. He was diagnosed as having dermatomyositis, based on elevated muscle enzyme levels, typical skin rashes, and typical EMG findings, which indicated muscle disease. When a patient with previous poliomyelitis has a newly developed muscle weakness or pain, we should consider various possible causes other than PPS.

Frequency and clinical manifestations of post-poliomyelitis syndrome in a brazilian tertiary care center / Frequência e manifestações clínicas da síndrome pós-poliomielite em um centro terciário brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and clinical manifestations of patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) in a Brazilian division of neuromuscular disorders. METHODS: A total of 167 patients with prior history of paralytic poliomyelitis was investigated for PPS, based on international diagnostic criteria. Other variables analyzed were: gender, race, age at poliomyelitis infection, age at PPS onset, and PPS symptoms. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients presented PPS, corresponding to 77.2% of the studied population. 62.8% were women and 37.2% were men. Mean age of patients with PPS at onset of PPS symptoms was 39.9±9.69 years. Their main clinical manifestations were: new weakness in the previously affected limbs (69%) and in the apparently not affected limbs (31%); joint pain (79.8%); fatigue (77.5%); muscle pain (76%); and cold intolerance (69.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients of our sample presented PPS. In Brazil, PPS frequency and clinical features are quite similar to those of other countries.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência e as manifestações clínicas de pacientes com síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP) em um setor terciário de doenças neuromusculares brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Um total de 167 pacientes com história prévia de poliomielite paralítica foi estudado para diagnóstico de SPP, de acordo com critérios diagnósticos internacionais. Além da SPP, as variáveis analisadas foram: gênero, raça, idade à época da poliomielite aguda e idade no início dos sintomas da SPP. RESULTADOS: Cento e vinte e nove pacientes apresentaram SPP, correspondendo a 77,2% da população estudada. Mulheres constituíram 62,8% dos pacientes e os homens, 37,2%. A média de idade dos pacientes com SPP à época do início dos sintomas foi de 39,9±9,69 anos. Suas principais manifestações clínicas foram: manifestações novas de fraqueza em membros previamente afetados (69%) e em membros aparentemente não afetados (31%); dores articulares (79,8%); fadiga (77,5%); dor muscular (76%) e intolerância ao frio (69,8%). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos pacientes da presente casuística apresentou SPP. No Brasil, a frequência e as características clínicas da SPP são similares às observadas em outros países.

Manifestações faringo-laríngeas da síndrome pós-poliomielite / Pharyngolaryngeal manifestations of post-polio syndrome

INTRODUÇÃO: A Síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP) caracteriza-se por um novo episódio de atrofia ou fraqueza muscular em indivíduos acometidos por poliomielite prévia. Os sintomas iniciam-se após um período prolongado de estabilidade clínica que varia de 20 a 40 anos depois do quadro inicial da poliomielite. Dentre os mecanismos fisiopatológicos, o mais provável é que a síndrome represente um processo de desgaste e exaustão metabólica neuronal devido a um processo contínuo de desnervação-reinervação que se inicia após o quadro agudo inicial. OBJETIVO: Revisar as características clínicas e fisiopatológicas da SPP, assim como apresentar a abordagem em casos com manifestações faringo-laríngeas. RELATO DO CASO: Apresentamos o caso clínico de um paciente masculino com 48 anos de idade, com queixas principais disfonia e disfagia e história prévia de poliomielite. O paciente foi submetido à investigação diagnóstica, na qual encontram-se descritos os achados psicoacústicos da voz, laringoscópicos, eletromiográficos e da videoendoscopia da deglutição compatíveis com SPP. O tratamento consistiu em fonoterapia num total de 11 sessões semanais e orientações gerais para deglutição com melhora satisfatória dos sintomas. COMENTÁRIOS FINAIS: As manifestações faringo-laríngeas da SPP são passíveis de tratamento, obtendo-se resultados satisfatórios com melhora na qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: The post-polio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by a new episod of atrophy or muscle weakness in individuals previously affected by poliomyelitis. The symptoms start from an extended period of clinical stability ranging from 20 to 40 years, after the initial chart of polio. Among the pathophysiological mechanisms, the most likely is that the syndrome represents a process of attrition and neuronal metabolic exhaustion due to a continuous process of denervation reinnervation which begins after the initial acute. OBJECTIVE: Review the clinical characteristics and pathophysiological of PPS,as well as present the approach in cases with pharyngolaryngeal manifestations. CASE REPORT: We present the clinical case of a male patient with 48 years old, with main complaints of dysphonia, dysphagia and previous history of polio. The patient underwent a diagnostic investigation, in which the voice psychoacoustic findings are described. Laringoscopic, electromyographic and the videoendoscopy of swallowing compatible with PPS. The treatment consisted in phonotherapy in a total of 11 weekly sessions and guidelines for swallowing, with satisfactory improvement of the symptoms. FINAL COMMENTS: The pharyngolaryngeal manifestations of PPS are susceptible to treatment, obtaining satisfactory results, with improvement of life quality of the patients.

Analysis of sleep characteristics in post-polio syndrome patients / Análise das características do sono em pacientes com síndrome pós-poliomielite

The main post-polio syndrome (PPS) symptoms are new weakness, new atrophy, fatigue, pain and sleep disturbances. Polysomnography is the gold standard for sleep analysis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze sleep patterns in PPS patients. METHOD: Sixty patients (mean age 46.8±11.3 years) at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM) complaining of sleep disturbances were evaluated by means of polysomnography, performed at the Sleep Institute. RESULTS: Sleep efficiency was lower due to high sleep latency and arousal index. The apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) and the periodic limb movements (PLM) index were higher. Sleep architecture was also impaired. There were no abnormalities of oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide levels, respiratory rate or heart rate. CONCLUSION: New post-polio sleep disturbances were isolated symptoms. It appears that these symptoms were not due to post-polio features, but rather, that they were due to dysfunction of the surviving motor neurons in the brainstem. Abnormal dopamine production, which is responsible for many sleep-related breathing disorders and abnormal movements, may also have been implicated in the present findings.

Dentre as manifestações clínicas da síndrome pós poliomielite (SPP) destacam-se nova fraqueza, fadiga, dor, nova atrofia e transtornos do sono. A polissonografia de noite inteira permanece sendo padrão ouro para análise do sono e diagnóstico de transtornos do sono. OBJETIVO: Verificar os transtornos de sono nos pacientes com SPP. MÉTODO: 60 pacientes com SPP (media de idade 46,8±11,3 anos), da UNIFESP/EPM,que apresentavam queixas sobre sono realizaram uma noite de polissonografia no Instituto do Sono. RESULTADOS: A eficiência do sono é diminuída em decorrência do aumento da latência do sono e do índice de despertar. O índice de apnéia e hipopnéia (IAH) e o índice de movimentos periódicos dos membros (iPLM) estão aumentados. A arquitetura do sono é prejudicada por essas alterações. Não há alterações da saturação da oxi-hemoglobina, do gás carbônico exalado, da freqüência respiratória e cardíaca. CONCLUSÃO: Novas alterações do sono são sintomas isolados desta população. Parece que esses sintomas não ocorrem devido a outras características da SPP, mas decorrem de disfunções nos neurônios do tronco encefálico e alterações da produção de dopamina que provocam os distúrbios respiratórios do sono e os movimentos periódicos dos membros.

Sleep disorders frequency in post-polio syndrome patients caused by periodic limb movements / Frequência de transtornos do sono em pacientes com síndrome pós-pólio causados por movimentos periódicos dos membros

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) in individuals with polio longer than 15 years is characterized by weakness and/or muscle fatigue, deficit of deglutition and breath and periodic limb movements (PLM) during sleep. We undertook a review of 99 patients with PPS, and assessed the frequency of PLM through polysomnographic recordings at our sleep disorders unit. The total number of PLM, total time of sleep (TTS), efficiency of sleep (EfS), awaking index (AI) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were analyzed. Sixteen patients presented PLM in excess of 5 for the entire night. When comparing these with the group without PLM, a correlation was found (p=0.001). Significant difference was found for the correlation of the parameters: IAH, ID, TTS and EfS when compared the two groups. There is a close relationship between PPS and PLM.

A síndrome pós-pólio (SPP) se manifesta em indivíduos que tiveram poliomielite, após 15 anos ou mais. Caracteriza-se por fraqueza e/ou fadiga muscular, déficit de deglutição e respiração e movimentos periódicos dos membros (PLM) no sono. Identificou-se a freqüência de PLM no sono em 99 polissonografias de pacientes com SPP, atendidos no ambulatório da Universidade Federal de São Paulo/ Escola Paulista de Medicina. Analisou-se número total de PLM, tempo total de sono (TTS), eficiência do sono (EfS), índice de despertar (ID) e índice de apnéia-hipopnéia (IAH). Dezesseis pacientes apresentaram nº de PLM maior que 5 para a noite inteira. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa para a correlação dos parâmetros: índice de apnéia e hipopnéia, índice de despertar, tempo total de sono e eficiência do sono quando comparados os dois grupos. Portanto, considera-se a existência de uma relação entre a presença de PLM e a SPP.

Effects of the use of MIG3 bioceramics fabrics use - long infrared emitter - in pain, intolerance to cold and periodic limb movements in post-polio syndrome / Efeitos do uso de tecidos com biocerâmica MIG3 - emissora de infravermelho longo - na dor, intolerância ao frio e movimentos periódicos dos membros na síndrome pós-poliomielite

The main post-polio syndrome (PPS) symptoms are new-onset weakness, new-onset atrophy, fatigue, cold intolerance, and pain associated with sleep disturbances. The polysomnographic study is the gold pattern to analyze sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess pain, intolerance to cold and periodic limb movements (PLM) index before and after the use of MIG3 bioceramic fabrics over 4 weeks. METHOD: 12 patients with PPS from UNIFESP/EPM. All patients were submitted to polysomnography and infra-red examinations with answered scales of pain and intolerance to cold before and after the use of MIG3 bioceramics fabrics. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in pain and PLM index. CONCLUSION: MIG3 bioceramic fabrics can help in the treatment of pain and PLM in PPS patients.

Dentre as manifestações clínicas da SPP destacam-se nova fraqueza, fadiga, dor, intolerância ao frio, nova atrofia e transtornos do sono. A polissonografia de noite inteira permanece sendo padrão ouro para análise do sono e diagnóstico de transtornos do sono. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o comportamento da dor, intolerância ao frio (IF) e índice de movimentos periódicos de membros (PLMs) após uso de colchonete e roupas com biocerâmica MIG3 por 4 semanas. MÉTODO: 12 pacientes com SPP, da UNIFESP/EPM. Todos realizaram exames de polissonografia e infravermelho e responderam a questionários de dor e IF antes e após o uso dos materiais. RESULTADOS: Houve diminuição significativa da dor e dos PLMs. CONCLUSÃO: Os tecidos com biocerâmica MIG3 podem ser um coadjuvante ao tratamento da dor e dos PLMs nos pacientes com SPP.

Perfil clínico e funcional de pacientes com Síndrome Pós-Poliomielite: uma análise de 18 casos / Functional and clinical profile of patients with Post-Polio Syndrome: an analysis of 18 cases

INTRODUÇAO: A Síndrome Pós-Pólio (SPP) é uma entidade neurológica caracterizada por um novo episódio de fraqueza muscular e/ou fadiga anormal em indivíduos que apresentaram a Poliomielite Anterior Aguda (PAA) anos antes. Acredita-se que a prevalência possa representar até 70% dos vitimados pela PAA. OBJETIVOS: A proposta do presente estudo foi analisar os dados de 18 pacientes com diagnóstico de SPP, identificar possíveis fatores preditivos na gênese da síndrome e estabelecer um perfil clínico e funcional desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Coleta de dados e análise estatística de 18 pacientes com diagnóstico de SPP atendidos no Serviço de Neurologia do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (HUAP) e na Associação Nacional de Deficientes Físicos (ANDEF). RESULTADOS: O perfil clínico e funcional desses pacientes é heterogêneo em relação às complicações mais frequentes e o nível de independência funcional. CONCLUSÃO: As manifestações clínicas e prejuízos funcionais apresentados pelos pacientes com SPP são fundamentais para construção de um arcabouço teórico-conceitual, visando a solução de problemas na prática clínica.

INTRODUCTION: The Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a neurological entity characterized by a new episode of muscular weakness and/or abnormal fatigue in individuals that were attained years before by Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis (AAP). It is estimated that the prevalence can reach up to 70% of the patients with AAP. OBJECTIVES: The proposal of the present study was to analyze the data of 18 patients with PPS diagnosis, to identify possible predictive factors related to the genesis of the syndrome, and to establish a clinical and functional profile of these subjects. METHODS: Collection of data and statistical analysis of 18 patients with PPS was undertaken in the Service of Neurology of the University Hospital Antonio Pedro (HUAP) and in the Associação Nacional de Deficientes Físicos (ANDEF). RESULTS: The clinical and functional profile of the patients is heterogeneous in relation to the most frequent complications, as well as to the level of functional independence. CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations and functional damages presented by the patients with PPS are essential for a theoretical-conceptual frame, aiming for a solution of problems in the clinical practice.