A survey was conducted among polio survivors in Japan to investigate post-polio syndrome and other complications.A survey was conducted among polio survivors in Japan to investigate post-polio syndrome and other complications.
In Japan, there are polio victim groups mainly located in six cities (Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Kitakyushu). The analysis was based on a survey conducted among members in 2022.
The survey included information on the age of onset and various complications. Regarding post-polio syndrome, the age of onset and worsening symptoms were also investigated.
There were 596 survey respondents (212 males and 384 females). The average age was 70.7±6.5 years.
52% (310 cases) of the total had been diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. Post-polio syndrome was more prevalent in women (126 vs. 183 cases). The age at which post-polio syndrome was diagnosed was 55.3±10.4 years. At the time of post-polio syndrome diagnosis, an application for change to the disability certificate had been submitted.
A correlation was observed between scoliosis and respiratory disorders. (p0.01)
And a correlation was also observed between scoliosis and swallowing function. (p0.05)
No other statistical trends were found regarding physical complications.
In Japan, more than half of all polio survivors were diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. Not all polio survivors visit a medical institution. Therefore, there are potentially many cases of post-polio syndrome that have not been diagnosed even if the physical function has deteriorated, and there may actually be many more cases of post-polio syndrome.
The gender ratio of post-polio syndrome tends to be female. Even in reports from the same Asian region, the incidence rate of women tends to be higher.
There was no clear reason for the diagnosis of post-polio syndrome. However, applications for change of physical disability certificates were made at the time of diagnosis of post-polio syndrome.
Applying for change of physical disability certificates as physical condition deteriorates expands the social resources available as physical function deteriorates. A system for continuous medical follow-up of physical function and complications is desirable.
No wide-area survey of post-polio syndrome has been conducted in Japan.
Japan was the first country in Asia to be declared polio-free. Post-polio syndrome will soon appear in neighboring countries, and it would be our hope that the contents of this report will be of use as a reference for the medical management of polio.
Post-Polio Syndrome
Ageing of polio patients
