Article

Post-polio syndrome is a neurological disorder occurring several years
after an acute polio infection. The main symptoms are increased muscular weakness
and atrophy, fatigue and pain. Pain is present more often in younger individuals
and in females and, according to the visual analogue scale (VAS), the intensity
of pain is relatively high. The aim of the present study was to analyse the
impact of pain on quality of life in patients with post-polio syndrome. DESIGN:
Transversal study. METHODS: Patients with post-polio syndrome
underwent a thorough neurological and general examination. They were interviewed
about the presence and intensity of pain during the previous 3 months, then
completed the quality of life inventory Short-Form 36 (SF-36), which included
questions about pain during the previous 4 weeks, and rated their pain intensity
during the previous 24 h according to the VAS. RESULTS: Seventy-seven of the
patients (68%) experienced pain at the examination. Pain was found to have a
significant impact on the SF-36 subdomains Vitality and General health. A
correlation was found between pain during the previous 3 months, the previous 4
weeks, and the previous 24 h. DISCUSSION: Pain is common in patients with
post-polio syndrome. Although patients have a high mean VAS score the pain only
affects quality of life for Vitality and General Health, but not for other
physical and mental domains.

Langue : ANGLAIS