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Electrophysiological studies in children with paralytic poliomyelitis
U Prakash1, A K Sinha, B Mukherjee
1Department of Physiology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Insights
Children with paralytic poliomyelitis show prolonged H-reflex latency (H-RL) in both affected and unaffected limbs. A corrected H/M ratio revealed significantly reduced motor nerve function in the involved limbs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Polio survivors often experience long-term neurological deficits.
- Understanding nerve function in children post-polio is crucial for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess H-reflex latency (H-RL) and H/M ratio in children with paralytic poliomyelitis.
- To evaluate nerve conduction and motor function in affected and unaffected limbs.
Main Methods:
- Measured H-reflex latency (H-RL) and H/M ratio in children with polio (1-3 years post-infection) and controls.
- Calculated a corrected H/M ratio for the involved limb due to low Mmax values.
- Assessed distal motor latency.
Main Results:
- H-reflex latency (H-RL) was significantly increased in both involved and uninvolved limbs of polio patients.
- The corrected H/M ratio was significantly lower in the involved limb compared to uninvolved and control limbs.
- Distal motor latency was elevated in the involved limb.
Conclusions:
- Polio can cause widespread neurological impairment affecting both sides of the body.
- Nerve conduction studies, including corrected H/M ratio, can detect subclinical motor deficits in polio survivors.
Abstract:
H-reflex latency (H-RL) and H/M ratio were measured in normal children and children with paralytic poliomyelitis of 1-3 years of age. The H-RL was considerably increased in both the involved and uninvolved limbs of the patients, whereas the H/M ratio did not differ. The Mmax value in the involved limb was very low, and therefore, a corrected H/M ratio was calculated for that side only. The corrected H/M ratio was significantly less than the H/M ratio observed in the uninvolved and control limbs. The distal motor latency was also increased in the involved side.