[Socio-medical profile of post-polio syndrome patients in center east of Tunisia].

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of the post polio syndrome is purely clinic. It occurs few decade after poliomyelitis. It associates recent appearance or progressive worsening of muscular weakness, pain, muscular fatigue or atrophy. It remains not recognized in Tunisia.

AIM: of our study is to identify the socio-medical profile of the postpolio population in the Tunisian east central region through a check of the risk factors and the clinical characteristics of these patients.

METHODS

Descriptive study analyzing 32 files (medical expertise) of post polio syndrome patients

RESULTS

The risk factors of post polio syndrome such us female gender, obesity, low educational level, early age of poliomyelitis appearance and the importance of physical effort at work, were observed in our study and are in agreement with the literature data. Average delay of post polio syndrome occurrence was 40 years. Most Disturbing symptom was the muscular pain. All our patients indicated negative impact on their everyday life and their work. They all asked for their right for incapacity or long-term disease beside the National health insurance fund (CNAM).

CONCLUSION

Recognition of patients affected by the Post polio syndrome and their social and medical needs are necessary.