SMASAC Working Group Post Polio Syndrome - Scottish Health On ...

Scottish Medicines and Scientific Advisory Committee Working Group
Post Polio Syndrome/Late Effects of Polio
The development of new symptoms in an individual considered to have had
polio may be due to PPS, LEOP, or the development of an unrelated health
problem. It is the remit of primary care to interpret symptoms and refer on to
the appropriate professional. New weakness should ideally generate a referral
to neurological services whose skills and resources are essential to make a
diagnosis of the cause of new weakness.
Presence of any of the following in an individual considered to have had polio
should prompt consideration of PPS/LEOP:
• Falls.
• New pain in an area not previously affected.
• New or evolving wasting.
• Sensory symptoms such as tingling or numbness especially in a
discrete area (for LEOP only).
• New dysphagia.
• The development of more than one respiratory infection in 12
months requiring antibiotics.
• Any fracture.
As noted in Section 2.10, individuals with PPS/LEOP who develop respiratory
symptoms must have appropriate assessment, including exclusion of other
causes. Those who have polio related respiratory problems and a significantly
reduced vital capacity will require access to sleep studies and may need non
invasive ventilatory support.
5.3 Determining the prevalence of PPS/LEOP in Scotland
As described earlier in this report, there would be considerable difficulty in
establishing a more accurate estimate of prevalence than that which is
currently available based on existing literature. The group therefore
recommends, for planning purposes, that the prevalence of PPS/LEOP in
Scotland is accepted as between 1,000 and 6,000 individuals.
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