POLYCYTHEMIA SECONDARY TO RESPIRATORY DISTURBANCES IN POLIOMYELITIS

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Abstract
A survey was made of the hematologic status of 40 chronic poliomyelitis patients. The 5 patients with the highest hemoglobins, red blood cell counts and hematocrits had disturbed respiratory function with hypoxia and hypercapnia. Intermittent mechanical assistance to respiration resulted in maintained improvement in the hypoxia and a lowering of the hematologic values, indicating that polycythemia secondary to the respiratory disturbances had been present. The findings of elevated levels of hemoglobin, red blood cell counts and hematocrits in chronic poliomyelitic patients may signify the presence of inadequate pulmonary function.