[Outpatient care of young invalids with locomotor defects]

The study of somatic health in patients with locomotor defects (infantile cerebral paralysis, meningoencephalocele, myodystrophy) to reveal abnormalities in function of the principal systems and organs of these patients.

The examination covered 93 students of Moscow institute for invalids suffering from locomotor defects (mean age 18.2 +/- 0.1 years). Clinical, laboratory, instrumental tests, ultrasound investigation of the viscera and heart, gynecological functional tests were made.

Defects were found almost in all the essential systems of the body in the majority of the invalids. The changes revealed were both functional and organic. Relevant correction was needed. Affection of the somatic organs impaired adaptation, resulted in still worse conditions for learning. Attendant somatic diseases aggravated the underlying disease.

Visceral affections in patients with locomotor defects aggravate the underlying disease and provoke more severe disability. Poor rehabilitation results lead to defective social adaptation. The authors propose introduction of special therapeutic programs for primary and secondary prophylaxis of somatic lesions in invalids with locomotor affections. Further study of somatic status of invalids is thought valid.