From the Research
Poliomyelitis (polio) in a limb is not a contraindication for intravenous (IV) therapy, but caution should be exercised due to potential challenges and risks. For IV placement in a patient with a history of polio:
- Avoid the affected limb if possible
- Choose an unaffected limb or alternative site (e.g., neck or chest) for IV access
- Use extra care if the affected limb must be used due to lack of other options Rationale:
- Polio can cause muscle weakness and atrophy in affected limbs, which may make veins more difficult to access or more prone to collapse, as noted in a study on the challenges of managing lower limb fractures in polio-affected patients 1
- There's also a theoretical risk of increased susceptibility to infection in affected areas, although this is not directly supported by the provided evidence When placing an IV in a polio patient:
- Use careful aseptic technique
- Select the smallest appropriate catheter size
- Monitor the site closely for signs of infiltration or infection While not strictly contraindicated, the potential challenges and risks should be weighed against the need for IV access in each individual case, considering the patient's overall health and medical history, as well as the potential for progressive muscle weakness, as reported in a longitudinal study on late effects of polio 2.