Frans Nollet

EFNS guideline on diagnosis and management of post-polio syndrome. Report of an EFNS task force.

Post‐polio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by new or increased muscular weakness, atrophy, muscle pain and fatigue several years after acute polio. The aim of the article is to prepare diagnostic criteria for PPS, and to evaluate the existing evidence for therapeutic interventions. The Medline, EMBASE and ISI databases were searched. Consensus in the group was reached after discussion by e‐mail. We recommend Halsteads definition of PPS from 1991 as diagnostic criteria. Supervised, aerobic muscular training, both isokinetic and isometric, is a safe and effective way to prevent further decline for patients with moderate weakness (Level B). Muscular training can also improve muscular fatigue, muscle weakness and pain. Training in a warm climate and non‐swimming water exercises are particularly useful (Level B). Respiratory muscle training can improve pulmonary function. Recognition of respiratory impairment and early introduction of non‐invasive ventilatory aids prevent or delay further respiratory decline and the need for invasive respiratory aid (Level C). Group training, regular follow‐up and patient education are useful for the patients’ mental status and well‐being. Weight loss, adjustment and introduction of properly fitted assistive devices should be considered (good practice points). A small number of controlled studies of potential‐specific treatments for PPS have been completed, but no definitive therapeutic effect has been reported for the agents evaluated (pyridostigmine, corticosteroids, amantadine). Future randomized trials should particularly address the treatment of pain, which is commonly reported by PPS patients. There is also a need for studies evaluating the long‐term effects of muscular training.

Disability and functional assessment in former polio patients with and without postpolio syndrome

OBJECTIVES To compare perceived health problems and disability in former polio subjects with postpolio syndrome (PPS) and those without postpolio syndrome (non-PPS), and to evaluate perceived health problems, disability, physical performance, and muscle strength. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey; partially blinded data collection. SUBJECTS One hundred three former polio subjects, aged 32 to 60yrs. This volunteer sample came from referrals and patient contacts. Criterion for PPS: new muscle weakness among symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), adapted D-code of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps, performance test, and muscle strength assessment. RESULTS PPS subjects (n = 76) showed higher scores (p < .001) than non-PPS subjects (n = 27) within the NHP categories of physical mobility, energy, and pain. On a 16-item Polio Problems List, 78% of PPS subjects selected fatigue as their major problem, followed by walking outdoors (46%) and climbing stairs (41%). The disabilities of PPS subjects were mainly seen in physical and social functioning. No differences in manually tested strength were found between patient groups. PPS subjects needed significantly more time for the performance test than non-PPS subjects and their perceived exertion was higher. Perceived health problems (NHP-PhysMobility) correlated significantly with physical disability (r = .66), performance-time (r = .54), and muscle strength (r = .38). With linear regression analysis, 54% of the NHP-PhysMobility score could be explained by the performance test (time and exertion), presence of PPS, and muscle strength, whereas strength itself explained only 14% of the NHP-PhysMobility score. CONCLUSIONS PPS subjects are more prone to fatigue and have more physical mobility problems than non-PPS subjects. In former polio patients, measurements of perceived health problems and performance tests are the most appropriate instruments for functional evaluation.

Deformities of the shoulder in infants younger than 12 months with an obstetric lesion of the brachial plexus

We performed a prospective study using MRI in 16 consecutive infants with a mean age of 5.2 months (2.7 to 8.7) who had shown inadequate recovery from an obstetric lesion of the brachial plexus in the first three months of life, in order to identify early secondary deformities of the shoulder. Shoulders were analysed according to a standardised MRI protocol. Measurements were made of the appearance of the glenoid, glenoid version and the position of the humeral head. The appearance of the glenoid on the affected side was normal in only seven shoulders. In the remainder it was convex in seven and bioconcave in three. The degree of subluxation of the humeral head was significantly greater (p = 0.01) in the affected shoulders than in normal shoulders (157 degrees v 170 degrees). The presence of an abnormal appearance of the glenoid, retroversion of the glenoid and subluxation of the humeral head increased with age. There was a statistical difference (p = 0.05) between infants younger than five months and those who were older.

Late onset polio sequelae: Disabilities and handicaps in a population-based cohort of the 1956 poliomyelitis outbreak in The Netherlands

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of new neuromuscular symptoms, disabilities, and handicaps in a group of polio survivors. DESIGN A self-constructed health questionnaire about neuromuscular complaints and disability and handicap levels during the stable period after recovery from polio and at present. SUBJECTS Three hundred fifty subjects, derived from the 1,784 polio cases registered during the 1956 polio outbreak in The Netherlands. RESULTS Respondents totaled 260 (74%), 27 of whom denied or did not recall having had paralytic poliomyelitis. The remaining 233 subjects comprised the study group (mean age, 44yrs; range, 39 to 77; SD = 6.3). Frequency of all neuromuscular complaints at present time was significantly higher than that during the stable period after polio (range in p of .001 to .004). Fifty-eight percent of cases reported an increase in muscle weakness in comparison with muscle condition during the stable period. Fifty-six percent reported an increase in disabilities, mainly a restriction in gait functions. Fifty-three percent reported increased handicaps with regard to occupation and social integration, and there was an increased need for adaptive measures and devices. CONCLUSION Nearly 60% of a sample of Dutch survivors of the 1956 polio outbreak experience late onset polio sequelae, resulting in increased severity of disabilities and handicaps.

Poor functional status immediately after discharge from an intensive care unit

Purpose. To evaluate the functional status of patients within the first week of discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU), and to identify predictors and explanatory factors of functional status. Methods. A prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted with consecutive ICU patients who had stayed in a mixed, closed-format, university-level ICU for longer than 48 h. Results. Between 3 and 7 days of discharge from the ICU, functional status (as primary outcome), walking ability, muscle strength, and sensory and cognitive functioning were assessed in 69 survivors. The overall functional status was poor (median Barthel Index 6). In their ability to perform basic activities of daily living, 67% percent were severely dependent, 15% were moderately dependent, and 9% were slightly dependent on other people. Independent walking was impossible for 73% of participants, grip strength was reduced for 50%, and 30% had cognitive impairments. Duration of ventilation was associated with functional status after ICU discharge. Reduced grip strength and walking ability were identified as explanatory factors for poorer functional status shortly after discharge from the ICU. Conclusion. In the first week after discharge from the ICU, the majority of the patients had substantial functional disabilities in activities of daily living. These disabilities were more severe in patients who experienced ventilation for a longer period of time. There is a need for prospective studies focusing on functional recovery to support informed decision-making concerning the care of critically ill patients after ICU discharge.

FUNCTIONAL STATUS AFTER INTENSIVE CARE: A CHALLENGE FOR REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS TO IMPROVE OUTCOME

OBJECTIVE To examine restrictions in daily functioning from a rehabilitation perspective in patients one year after discharge from the intensive care unit, and to identify prognostic factors for functional status. DESIGN Cross-sectional design. PATIENTS Consecutive patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit for more than 48 h (n = 255). METHODS One year after intensive care, functional status (Sickness Impact Profile) as primary outcome, and Quality of Life (SF-36), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), and post-traumatic stress disorder (Impact of Events Scale) were evaluated. RESULTS Fifty-four percent of the patients had restrictions in daily functioning. Walking and social activities were most frequently restricted (30-60% of the patients). Quality of life was lower than the general Dutch population. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were found in 14%, and post-traumatic stress disorder in 18%. Severity of illness at admission and length of stay in the intensive care unit were identified as prognostic factors, although they explained only 10% of functional status. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of long-lasting restrictions in physical, social and psychological functioning among patients who stayed in the intensive care unit for at least 2 days implies that these patients are a potential target population for rehabilitation medicine. Multidisciplinary therapies need to be developed and evaluated in order to improve outcome.

POOR FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AFTER A CRITICAL ILLNESS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

OBJECTIVE To determine the time course of functional health status, and to inventory impairments in body functions, limitations in activities, and restrictions in participation after critical illness. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING Mixed medical and surgical closed format; intensive care unit of an academic medical hospital. PATIENTS Consecutive patients over a period of 3 months who were ventilated in the intensive care unit for more than 48 h (n = 116). METHODS Functional health status was assessed 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge from the intensive care unit using the Sickness Impact Profile 68. Impairments in function, limitations in activities, and restrictions in participation, classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), were evaluated after 3 and 12 months. RESULTS Due to a high mortality rate (48%) and poor health conditions, data could not be obtained from all participants at all measurement points. Physical functioning and social behaviour improved predominantly within the first 6 months, while impaired psychological functioning remained unchanged within one year after discharge from the intensive care unit. After one year, 69% of patients were still restricted in performing daily activities and only 50% had resumed work. CONCLUSION The extent and severity of lasting intensive care unit-related disability necessitates the development of multidisciplinary after-care to improve health status, functional independence and return to work.

Effect of Custom-made Footwear on Foot Ulcer Recurrence in Diabetes: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE Custom-made footwear is the treatment of choice to prevent foot ulcer recurrence in diabetes. This footwear primarily aims to offload plantar regions at high ulcer risk. However, ulcer recurrence rates are high. We assessed the effect of offloading-improved custom-made footwear and the role of footwear adherence on plantar foot ulcer recurrence. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We randomly assigned 171 neuropathic diabetic patients with a recently healed plantar foot ulcer to custom-made footwear with improved and subsequently preserved offloading (∼20% peak pressure relief by modifying the footwear) or to usual care (i.e., nonimproved custom-made footwear). Primary outcome was plantar foot ulcer recurrence in 18 months. Secondary outcome was ulcer recurrence in patients with an objectively measured adherence of ≥80% of steps taken. RESULTS On the basis of intention-to-treat, 33 of 85 patients (38.8%) with improved footwear and 38 of 86 patients (44.2%) with usual care had a recurrent ulcer (relative risk −11%, odds ratio 0.80 [95% CI 0.44–1.47], P = 0.48). Ulcer-free survival curves were not significantly different between groups (P = 0.40). In the 79 patients (46% of total group) with high adherence, 9 of 35 (25.7%) with improved footwear and 21 of 44 (47.8%) with usual care had a recurrent ulcer (relative risk −46%, odds ratio 0.38 [0.15–0.99], P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS Offloading-improved custom-made footwear does not significantly reduce the incidence of plantar foot ulcer recurrence in diabetes compared with custom-made footwear that does not undergo such improvement, unless it is worn as recommended.

The reproducibility and validity of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in parents of children with disabilities

Objective: To study the reproducibility (inter-rater agreement), the construct and criterion validity of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in the parents of children with disabilities. Design: The COPM was administered twice by two different occupational therapists. The inter-rater agreement of the content of the prioritized problems was explored. Data analysis of the reproducibility of the scores was based on the Bland and Altman method. Measures used: The construct validity was studied by comparing the results of the COPM with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and a quality of life questionnaire. The criterion validity was verified with an open-ended question. Setting: Occupational therapy departments of a university hospital and three rehabilitation institutes. Subjects: One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive parents of children referred for occupational therapy. Results: Data were obtained for 80 children with a mean age of 3.7 years (range 1-7.5). Of the prioritized problems identified in the first interview, 80% were also prioritized in the second interview. The limits of agreement were − 2.4 to +2.3 for the mean performance score and − 2.3 to + 2.6 for the mean satisfaction score. Assumptions about the construct and criterion validity were confirmed. Conclusions: The inter-rater agreement of the prioritized problems is good enough for client-centred occupational therapy. The reproducibility of the performance and satisfaction scores is moderate. The results support the construct and criterion validity. The COPM identifies many child-unique problems that are not assessed with existing standardized measurement instruments or with a simple open-ended question.

Cervical collar or physiotherapy versus wait and see policy for recent onset cervical radiculopathy: randomised trial.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with collar or physiotherapy compared with a wait and see policy in recent onset cervical radiculopathy. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Neurology outpatient clinics in three Dutch hospitals. Participants 205 patients with symptoms and signs of cervical radiculopathy of less than one month’s duration Interventions Treatment with a semi-hard collar and taking rest for three to six weeks; 12 twice weekly sessions of physiotherapy and home exercises for six weeks; or continuation of daily activities as much as possible without specific treatment (control group). Main outcome measures Time course of changes in pain scores for arm and neck pain on a 100 mm visual analogue scale and in the neck disability index during the first six weeks. Results In the wait and see group, arm pain diminished by 3 mm/week on the visual analogue scale (β=−3.1 mm, 95% confidence interval −4.0 to −2.2 mm) and by 19 mm in total over six weeks. Patients who were treated with cervical collar or physiotherapy achieved additional pain reduction (collar: β=−1.9 mm, −3.3 to −0.5 mm; physiotherapy: β=−1.9, −3.3 to −0.8), resulting in an extra pain reduction compared with the control group of 12 mm after six weeks. In the wait and see group, neck pain did not decrease significantly in the first six weeks (β=−0.9 mm, −2.0 to 0.3). Treatment with the collar resulted in a weekly reduction on the visual analogue scale of 2.8 mm (−4.2 to −1.3), amounting to 17 mm in six weeks, whereas physiotherapy gave a weekly reduction of 2.4 mm (−3.9 to −0.8) resulting in a decrease of 14 mm after six weeks. Compared with a wait and see policy, the neck disability index showed a significant change with the use of the collar and rest (β=−0.9 mm, −1.6 to −0.1) and a non-significant effect with physiotherapy and home exercises. Conclusion A semi-hard cervical collar and rest for three to six weeks or physiotherapy accompanied by home exercises for six weeks reduced neck and arm pain substantially compared with a wait and see policy in the early phase of cervical radiculopathy. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT00129714.