Alteration of Olfactory Function in Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alterations of olfactory function among patients with cirrhosis of the liver, acute viral hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease have been reported. The goal of this study is to evaluate the alteration of olfactory function among chronic viral hepatitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 21 patients with chronic active viral hepatitis and 32 normal subjects. Between December 2006 and January 2008, olfactory function among the study groups was evaluated using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center and the Cross Cultural Smell Identification Test. Then, correlations between the olfactory function test scores and serological data were analyzed. RESULTS: Hepatitis patients had significantly lower smell identification test scores. Only serum total bilirubin level had negative correlation with smell identification test scores. CONCLUSION: Chronic viral hepatitis appears to influence olfactory function.