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Poliomyelitis: 20 years--the Pondicherry experience
S Mahadevan1, S Ananthakrishnan, S Srinivasan
1Department of Pediatrics, Fawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.
The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Lack of polio immunization and intramuscular injections in young children are key risk factors for acute poliomyelitis. Early oral polio vaccine (OPV) administration and avoiding unnecessary injections can help control this disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Poliomyelitis remains a significant public health concern in Southern India.
- A 20-year study period (1968-1987) observed 12,830 pediatric cases of acute poliomyelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends, risk factors, and outcomes of acute poliomyelitis in children.
- To identify key preventive measures for poliomyelitis control.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12,830 pediatric poliomyelitis cases.
- Evaluation of vaccination status, age at onset, and clinical outcomes.
- Identification of risk factors including immunization status and injection history.
Main Results:
- The median age of onset decreased significantly over the study period.
- A high percentage of cases (66.3%) were unvaccinated, and 14.7% were vaccine failures.
- Intramuscular injections preceded poliomyelitis in 66% of cases, often linked to fever treatment.
- Mortality was 2.13%, primarily due to respiratory failure.
Conclusions:
- Lack of immunization and intramuscular injections during the pre-paralytic phase are critical risk factors.
- Timely oral polio vaccine (OPV) administration and avoidance of unnecessary injections in febrile children are essential for disease control.