Polio medical therapy

Polio Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Poliovirus

Differentiating Polio from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Prevention

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Polio medical therapy On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Polio medical therapy

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Polio medical therapy

CDC on Polio medical therapy

Polio medical therapy in the news

Blogs on Polio medical therapy

Directions to Hospitals Treating Polio

Risk calculators and risk factors for Polio medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

## Overview

[edit | edit source]

There is no treatment for neither form of poliomyelitis. Current management of these patients is based on supportive care towards symptom relief and prevention of complications. Supportive treatment may include: application of hot moist patches to affected muscles; mechanical ventilation with tank respirators, or positive pressure ventilators; drainage and suction of secretions; bladder catheterization; physical and psychological therapy.[1]

## Medical Therapy

[edit | edit source]

### Supportive Care

[edit | edit source]

Hospitalization is indicated for acute cases of paralytic poliomyelitis, since bed rest and proper care help prevent extension of the paralysis. Pain and spasms may be relieved by application of hot moist packs to the affected muscles. Once progression of paralysis has stopped, physical therapy should be initiated.[1] Mechanical ventilation is indicated when paralysis of the respiratory muscles occurs, before development of hypoxia. It is often started once vital capacity is below 50%. Endotracheal intubation, often with subsequent tracheostomy may be required in these patients. Previous methods of ventilation included negative pressure ventilator chambers that are no longer used in modern medical practice. For patients with bulbar poliomyelitis without respiratory muscle paralysis, drainage of secretions may be accomplished by suction and postural drainage. For severe cases of this form of the disease, tracheal intubation may be required.[1]

In spinal poliomyelitis with paralysis or weakness of the bladder muscle, catheterization may be indicated.[1] Psychological management of the disease should also be provided to the patient, in order to facilitate dealing with the disease and accompanying disabilities.[1]

## References

[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Mandell, Gerald (2010). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious diseases. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN 0443068399.

Template:WH Template:WS