Late effects of polio: changes in self-reported impairments over 10 years and associated factors

To assess (i) how various self-reported impairments change over 10 years among people with LEoP, and (ii) factors associated with the changes.

181 persons with LEoP (mean age 77 [SD 9] years, 99 women) responded to a postal survey twice, ten years apart. The survey included questions on demographics, clinical characteristics and perceived impairments as assessed with the Self-reported Impairments in Persons with late effects of Polio (SIPP) scale. The SIPP comprises 13 items and asks how much participants have been bothered by various LEoP-related impairments during the past 2 weeks, ranging from 1=not at all to 4=extremely much. The SIPP total score ranges between 13 to 52 points; a higher score indicates more impairments. Changes in SIPP scores were analysed by paired sample t-test, and in percent. Factors associated with changes in SIPP total score were analysed with univariable linear regression analyses. 

Seven items in the SIPP scale increased significantly over the 10 years (p0.05): muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, sensory disturbances, breathing difficulties at rest and during physical activity, cold intolerance and general fatigue. The changes of these impairments ranged between 2.5% and 9.9%. The SIPP total score increased on average with 1.64 points (CI: 0.88 to 2.41, p0.001), indicating a change of 6.3%. Two variables were significantly associated with the increase in SIPP total score: degree of LEoP (B=2.96, 95% CI: 0.88, 5.03; p=0.006) and presence of co-morbidities (B= 1.72, 95% CI 0.14, 3.30; p=0.033).

Impairments related to LEoP seem to increase slightly over a 10-year period. Having moderate to severe LEoP and comorbidities are associated with increased impairments, which need attention in clinical settings. 

A better understanding of how common LEoP-related impairments vary over time and which demographic or disability-related factors that are associated with the changes can lead to better person-centred rehabilitation interventions for persons ageing with LEoP. The ultimate goal of the rehabilitation is to improve life satisfaction and functioning in daily life in this population.