Prospective 15-year study of neuromuscular function in a cohort of patients with prior poliomyelitis

Suppl Clin Neurophysiol. 2009:60:197-201. doi: 10.1016/s1567-424x(08)00020-2.

Abstract

Poliomyelitis is a monophasic illness affecting lower motor neurons and individuals may describe new problems years after the initial weakness. We have studied 38 people with the post-polio syndrome over a 15-year period assessing a number of neuromuscular measures, including motor unit number estimation (MUNE). Twenty-five individuals reported progressive weakness but there was no objective change in MUNE and other measures. There was an association with reported weakness and initial deficits. There was a slow decline in MUNE values over time in both groups.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Electromyography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / etiology*
  • Poliomyelitis / complications*
  • Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / complications*