Prevalence and risk factors of post-polio syndrome in a cohort of polio survivors.

Abstract Objective To investigate frequency and associated factors of post polio syndrome (PPS) in an Italian cohort of people with prior poliomyelitis. Methods We screened subjects admitted for poliomyelitis at the paediatric hospital of the University of Palermo during the time frame 1945–1960. Patients who developed PPS were identified through a structured questionnaire and a neurologic examination. PPS diagnosis was made according to specified diagnostic criteria. Frequency of PPS was calculated in the selected cohort of polio survivors. The association with the investigated risk factors (sex, age at onset of polio, extension and severity of polio, education, associated diseases, cigare…