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Post-Polio Syndrome, Implications for Geriatric Care

  • Infectious Diseases in the Elderly (M. Schilling, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Geriatrics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is commonly experienced by geriatric patients with a history of acute paralytic poliomyelitis. The goal of this review is to educate clinicians about the clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria for PPS as well as explore established and experimental treatment options.

Recent Findings

On review of the literature, there is no new research identifying effective interventions for PPS.

Summary

The paucity of recent studies is not surprising since polio patients are diminishing in number. There is some hope that interventions for other similar conditions may cross over and show some utility for PPS. In lieu of further treatment options, clinicians should be comfortable educating their patients on the course of the disease and providing supportive management such as physical therapy and bracing.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •of importance

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Correspondence to Ny-Ying Lam.

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Thomas McNalley did fill out his conflict of interest form and likely has no conflict of interests.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Infectious Diseases in the Elderly

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Lam, NY., McNalley, T.E. Post-Polio Syndrome, Implications for Geriatric Care. Curr Geri Rep 6, 20–25 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-017-0194-0

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