Poliomyelitis survivors in the time of a covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Poliomyelitis is an inflammatory viral disease that causes destruction of motoneurons. Despite being eradicated in Brazil, it left sequelae on survivors, making them need continuous treatments. Considering the sequelae and new symptoms related to Post-Polyomyelitis Syndrome (PPS), these patients may be vulnerable in the Covid-19 Pandemic. Objective(s) To characterize and analyze the prevalence of risk factors for contracting COVID-19 as well as developing its severe form in patients with Sequelae of Poliomyelitis and Post-polio Syndrome. Method(s) An epidemiological study was carried out through an online questionnaire, where epidemiological, physical and psycho-emotional health issues were addressed in the pandemic. Approved by CEP UNIFESP under Ndegree4,087,073. Result(s) 383 responses were obtained in the following groups Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (GP-49%;n=190) and PPS (GPPS-50.4%;n=193). Female and age 50-59 years were more prevalent. The most common disorders were monoparesis (38.9% GP;21.7% GSPP), followed by paraparesis in GP (18.9%) and tetraparesis in GSPP (16.6%). As for comorbidities, 37.4% of the GP and 37.3% of the GSPP reported Hypercholesterolemia;42.6% (GP) and 47.1% (GSPP) Hypertension and 19.5% (GP) and 14.5% (GSPP) Diabetes. About 29% of the GP were obese against 35.2% (GSPP). In the physical aspects, 57.9% (GP) and 65.8% (GSPP) reported worsening in the quarantine and 19.7% (GSPP). Discussion(s) Patients affected with Poliomyelitis had a proportion of Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension and Diabetes about twice that of the Brazilian population over 18 years (14.6%;23.9 and 7.7%, respectively) (1). In this sense, research shows an increased risk for severity and death from COVID- 19 in patients with Hypertension (2,3), Diabetes (2,3) and Hypercholesterolemia (2). People with disabilities can be disproportionately impacted by emergencies and the disruption of services can be a contributing factor (4). This impact could be perceived by the reports of worsening in the physical aspect during the quarantine, especially in GPPS who have a higher frequency of tetraparesis, which can difficult to carry out the necessary hygiene measures. Conclusion(s) Poliomyelitis survivors have comorbidities, in addition to limitations and dependence in their activities of daily living that can make them more vulnerable to contagion by COVID-19 as well as making them more susceptible to the severe form of the disease.