ABSTRACT
To evaluate the hearing status of COVID-19 patients and compare with control group. Prospective study carried out in 9 institutes. The pure tone audiogram and impedance audiometry of COVID-19 patients performed initially and at 3 months follow up. The control group consisted COVID-19 negative individuals with no history of ear related diseases. The average of air and bone conduction threshold (AC and BC) were compared between the COVID-19 patients and control group using independent t-test with a p value of less than 0.05 considered significant. Total of 331 patients, age 32 ± 4.3 years, 66.7% males and 33.3% females were included in the study. There were 80 individuals in the control group. Aural symptoms were, tinnitus in 1.8%, aural fullness in 1.4%, hearing loss in 3. 9%, and ear ache in 1.8% were present initially, resolved at 3 months follow up. The impedance audiometry demonstrated type B and type C curve in 5.1% and 1.15% ears, and out of these 64.7% and 40% improved at 3 months follow up respectively. No significant difference observed between the average AC and BC of the COVID-19 patients and control group. The COVID-19 infection may present with aural symptoms; however, it was concluded that there was no significant difference in the hearing status of the COVID-19 positive patients in comparison to the control group. The presence of some changes in the normal functioning of the eustachian tube and middle ear in the COVID-19 infection was also highlighted.
ABSTRACT
To study the incidence of the smell and taste disturbance in the COVID-19 patients and a follow up at 4 months to observe for the duration of resolution of these symptoms. This is a multicentric prospective study carried out in 3 different countries, from April, 2020 to January, 2021. The COVID-19 positive patients, aged between 15 and 60 years, were inquired about the presence of any smell or taste related symptoms. The same patients were followed up with the telephonic interview after 2 months and then after 4 months, respectively. The duration of resolution of the smell and taste disturbance symptoms was noted. Total of 188 COVID-19 positive patients, average age 33.1 ± 1.7 years, 54.2% males and 45.8% female were included in the study. The smell disturbance was present in 60.6% (hyposmia 36.1%, anosmia 20.2%, and parosmia 4.2%) and taste disturbance in 28.7% of patients (hypogeusia 20.2%, ageusia 6.9%, and parageusia 1.6%). There was improvement of anosmia by 97.4, hyposmia by 95.6%, parosmia by 100%, ageusia by 100%, hypogeusia 94.8%, and parageusia by 66.7%, at 4 months follow up. The present study concludes that the smell and taste disturbances are one of the main early presenting features of the COVID-19 infection. The temporary effect of the COVID-19 infection on the olfactory and gustatory pathway was also highlighted with more than 95% patients improving at 4 months of follow up.
ABSTRACT
To prepare safety protocols for performing videolaryngoscopy (VLS) during COVID-19 pandemic, that would be feasible for patients, hospital and the health care providers. This was a prospective study performed from March 01, 2020 to June 30, 2020. It analyzed the precautions adapted for VLS initially and subsequently describes modifications with the time. The safety protocols are developed considering the safety aspect, the feasibility aspect (due to increase in number of the VLS), and the financial aspect. The VLS was performed with the personal protective equipment (PPE), including the face shield mask and head cover. The PPE was re-used after sterilization with ethylene oxide. For local anesthesia, the oropharynx was sprayed with 15% xylocaine and nose packed with 4% xylocaine soaked pledget. Following the VLS, the scope was wiped three times with 80% alcohol and then immersed in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde for 10 min each. Each VLS was spaced by at least 15 min gap. The endoscopy suite maintained with laminar air flow. It can be concluded that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the VLS must be performed using PPE with proper sterilization of the scope and the endoscopy suite after the procedure. The use of face shield mask and 15% xylocaine spray into the oropharynx were also highlighted. The financial burden should be minimized by reusing the materials whenever possible.