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Polio - Treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Patients with poliomyelitis (and even with suspected poliomyelitis) are subject to emergency isolation in specialized departments or boxes. There is no specific antiviral treatment for poliomyelitis. In the pre-paralytic and paralytic periods, absolute rest is required, since any physical activity accelerates the development and increases the severity of paralysis. Treatment of poliomyelitis consists of the introduction of interferon alpha-2 (interferon), normal human immunoglobulin, ribonuclease. Detoxification and dehydration treatment of poliomyelitis is carried out. Vitamins and painkillers, sodium metamizole are prescribed. Hot wraps and poultices are used for paralysis. Bendazole (dibazole) is prescribed for 30 days at a rate of 1 mg / kg (has a positive effect on the function of the spinal cord) and ascorbic acid at 0.5-1.0 g / kg (stops the development of paralysis). In case of respiratory disorders, artificial ventilation, sanitation of the oropharynx and respiratory tract are performed. In case of swallowing disorders - tube feeding. Orthopedic correction is mandatory: an orthopedic regimen is necessary to ensure the physiological position of the limb (up to the use of plaster splints). Anticholinesterase drugs (proserin, oxazyl, galantamine) are used in courses of 10-20 days, alternating courses if necessary. In the recovery period, anabolic hormones (retabolil, methandrostenolone), B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12), nicotinic acid, cocarboxylase, nootropic agents are prescribed. To improve muscle function, phosphorus, potassium preparations and physiotherapeutic methods (ultra-high-frequency therapy, electrophoresis of calcium chloride, potassium iodide, bromine, paraffin applications, diathermy) are used. Physiotherapeutic treatment of poliomyelitis is carried out in courses lasting 1-1.5 months. Massage and exercise therapy may be prescribed after normalization of body temperature and disappearance of symptoms of general intoxication and pain. Six months after the acute period, spa treatment is indicated. In the residual period, orthopedic and surgical correction is carried out to treat residual effects. The effectiveness of drug therapy has not been assessed by evidence-based therapy methods.
Prognosis for Polio
The prognosis for poliomyelitis is favorable in the inapparent and abortive forms of poliomyelitis. A severe course with fatal outcomes in the meningeal form is possible, but extremely rare; subsequent long-term complications, as a rule, do not occur.
The outcome of the paralytic form of poliomyelitis depends on the severity of the CNS damage. With timely and correct treatment, recovery of functions without consequences occurs in a third of cases. In approximately 30% of cases, poliomyelitis ends with persistent residual paralysis with muscle atrophy, leading to disability, in 30% - with milder paresis. About 10% of cases (with damage to the respiratory system) end in the death of patients. With severe bulbar paralysis, the mortality rate reaches 60% (death can occur in just a few days from paralysis of the respiratory center).
Approximate periods of incapacity for work
The period of disability depends on the clinical form of infection. Inpatient treatment for the meningeal form lasts up to 3-4 weeks, for the paralytic form - up to several months. Discharge is made after complete clinical recovery and in the absence of changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. Rehabilitation treatment in specialized neurological sanatoriums is recommended.
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Clinical examination
Poliomyelitis does not require dispensary observation of those who have recovered, it is not regulated. The observation periods for patients are determined individually, but for meningeal and paralytic forms it is at least a year.
[ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]
What should a patient know about polio?
Recommendations are given individually, reflected in the extract and usually include:
- balanced diet;
- avoid hypothermia and other stressful conditions;
- limitation of significant physical activity.
After suffering the meningeal and paralytic forms, flying on an airplane, hiking in the mountains, diving, and vaccinations, with the exception of emergency ones (for example, against rabies), are excluded for a year.