Abstract

ABSTRACTWe present the results of a survey on the late effects of poliomyelitis in 201 persons. The most common new problems were fatigue, weakness in previously affected and unaffected muscles, muscle pain, and joint pain. The median time from poliomyelitis to onset of new problems ranged from 30 to 40 years. Factors at onset of polio most strongly associated with development of these late effects of polio were (1) hospitalization (P < 0.00001), (2) age > 10 years (P < 0.00001), (3) ventilator use (P < 0.0029), and (4) paralytic involvement of all four limbs (P < 0.0240). The differential diagnosis of these new problems, implications for treatment, and areas for future research are discussed.