Table 1 Characteristics of the selected trials

Bertolasi [2013] [14]

RCT

18-70 y, history of paralytic polio; clinical stability > 15 years; new symptoms fulfilling the EFNS guidelines criteria

I: 24 (50) P: 26 (50)

I: 54.9 ± 5.7 P: 58.3 ± 5.6

I: 0.4 g/kg/d × 5 d P: saline at the same volume

QoL, gait, muscle strength, fatigue, pain at 2 and 4 mo

Farbu [2007] [12]

RCT

Ambulatory patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PPS

I: 10 (40) P: 10 (30)

I: 59.9 ± 6.2 P: 58.7 ± 6.8

I: 2 g/kg infused for 2–4 d P: saline at the same volume

Pain, muscle strength, fatigue at 1, 3, and 6 mo; changes in serum and CSF cytokine levels at 1 mo

Gonzalez [2006] [10]

RCT

18-75 y, history of polio; increased weakness, fatigue, and pain fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PPS

I: 73 (29) P: 69 (42)

I: 61.5 ± 9.2 P: 59.0 ± 10.0

I: 30 g × 3 d, twice at 3-mo intervals P: glucose water at the same volume

QoL, balance, fatigue, gait, muscle strength, physical activity, sleep quality, and pain at 9 − 13wk

Gonzalez [2012] [5]

Prospective

18-75 y, history of polio; increased weakness, fatigue, and pain fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PPS

I: 20 (30) P: 21 (43)

I: 61.7 (52–75)^† P: 61.9 (46–75)

I: 30 g × 3 d, twice at 3-mo intervals P: glucose water at the same volume

Cytokine expression in PBMCs and CSF, QoL, gait, pain at 1 year

Gonzalez [2004] [13]

Prospective

Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PPS

I: 16 (56)

I: 58.5 (43–70)^†

I: 30 g × 3 d

Cytokine expression in PBMCs and CSF at 6–8 wk

Kaponides [2006] [8]

Prospective

Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PPS

I: 14 (57)

I: 57 (43–67)^†

I: 30 g × 3 d

QoL at 2 and 6 mo; physical performance and muscle strength at 2 mo

Östlund [2012] [11]

Prospective

Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PPS

I: 113 (45)

I: 66 ± 10

I: 90 g infused for 3 d

QoL, physical activity, and pain at 6 mo

Werhagen [2011] [9]

Prospective

Patients with PPS

I: 45 (36)

I: 61 (36–88)^†

I: 30 g × 3 d

Pain at 6 mo