Nebulized glucocorticoid combined with olfactory training in the treatment of postviral olfactory dysfunction / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of nebulizing glucocorticoid combined with olfactory training in the treatment of postviral olfactory dysfunction.METHODSPatients with postviral olfactory dysfunction were recruited in this study. All patients underwent T&T olfactory testing, sinonasal computer tomgraphy scanning, as well as magnetic resonance scanning of the olfactory pathway. Nebulizing glucocorticoid (pulmicort repulse) was inhaled once daily at the starting dose of 2 mg tapered to 1 mg after two weeks combined with olfactory training for 4 weeks. T&T olfactory testing were repeated after 4-week treatment.RESULTS Twenty four patients received teatment, with a mean age of 54 years old(range 37 to 81 years old), a mean olfactory dysfunction course of 2.20 months(range, 0.25-9 months). Of whom, 21 were anosmia, 3 were hyposmia. After teatment, complete recovery were achieved in 4 patients(16.7%), obvious improvement in 9 (37.5%), improvement in 5 (20.8%), no improvement in 6 (25.0%). No side effect and untoward effect were found.CONCLUSIONThe primmary outcomes suggest the efficacy and safety of nebulizing glucocorticoid combined with olfactory training in the treatment of postviral olfactory dysfunction.