[Postpolio syndrome: retrospective study in a former polio clinic]

Delayed consequences of polio virus infection are of growing interest because of the increasing incidence of new symptoms in patients who previously had poliomyelitis. We examined 121 patients with an earlier diagnosis of acute anterior poliomyelitis for features of the postpolio syndrome using the criteria of Halstead and found evidence of the syndrome in 68.07% of the patients. Meaningful management of these patients requires recognition of the clinical features of the condition and a collaborative approach involving physicians, physiotherapists, psychotherapists and social workers.