Prognosis of West Nile Virus Associated Acute Flaccid Paralysis: A Case Series
Author Information
Author(s): Johnstone Jennie, Hanna Steven E, Nicolle Lindsay E, Drebot Michael A, Neupane Binod, Mahony James B, Loeb Mark B
Primary Institution: McMaster University
Hypothesis
What are the long-term health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with West Nile virus associated acute flaccid paralysis?
Conclusion
Despite the poor physical prognosis for patients with acute flaccid paralysis, the mental health outcomes are generally favorable.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean age of those with acute flaccid paralysis was 61 years.
- Most patients with acute flaccid paralysis were men (71%).
- The mean Physical Component Summary score at presentation was 34.
- At the end of follow-up, the mean Mental Component Summary score had normalized to 50.
- No patient died during the follow-up period.
- Patients were followed for a mean of 1.1 years.
Takeaway
This study looked at seven people who got weak from a virus called West Nile. Even though their bodies didn't get much better, their feelings and mental health improved.
Methodology
Seven patients with acute flaccid paralysis were followed for up to two years, and their quality of life was measured using the Short-Form 36 scale.
Potential Biases
The presence of a patient with Parkinson's disease may have confounded the results.
Limitations
The study is limited by the small number of cases and the potential confounding effects of co-morbidities.
Participant Demographics
All patients were Caucasian, with a mean age of 61 years, and 28% had underlying co-morbidities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website