Taste And Smell Sensation Dysfunction In Covid-19 Patients

A significant proportion of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 report a new onset of smell or taste loss. The duration of the chemosensory impairment and predictive factors of recovery are still unclear. In this study, we aim to describe the prevalence and features of loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) in Covid-19 patients. This study was done during second wave of Covid -19 to assess the smell and taste sensations dysfunction in Covid-19 infected subjects. Subjects above age of 18 years who were infected with Covid -19 virus and recovered from Covid-19 infection were included in this study. 50.49 % subjects had loss of smell sensation. 36.76% subjects had loss of taste sensation, whereas 34.31 % subjects had loss of both smell and taste sensation. Chemosensitive dysfunction is associated with coronavirus disease and may be the only symptom that presents the disease. Smell and taste loss are highly prevalent in COVID-19.

Persistent olfactory dysfunction associated with poor sleep quality and anxiety in patients with long COVID.

Introduction: Poor sleep quality have been widely reported in patients with long COVID. Determining the characteristics, type, severity, and relationship of long COVID with other neurological symptoms is essential for the prognosis and management of poor sleep quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a public university in the eastern Amazon region of Brazil between November 2020 and October 2022. The study involved 288 patients with long COVID with self-report neurological symptoms. One hundred thirty-one patients were evaluated by using standardised protocols: Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCRC), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with long COVID with poor sleep quality and their relationship with other neurological symptoms (anxiety, cognitive impairment, and olfactory disorder). Results: Patients with poor sleep quality were mainly women (76.3%), 44.04 ± 12.73 years old, with >12 years of education (93.1%), and had monthly incomes of up to US $240.00 (54.2%). Anxiety and olfactory disorder were more common in patients with poor sleep quality. Discussion: Multivariate analysis shows that the prevalence of poor sleep quality was higher in patients with anxiety, and olfactory disorder is associated with poor sleep quality. In this cohort of patients with long COVID, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was highest in the group tested by PSQI and were associated with other neurological symptoms, such as anxiety and olfactory dysfunction. A previous study indicates a significant association between poor sleep quality and psychological disorders over time. Recent studies involving neuroimaging found functional and structural changes in Long COVID patients with persistent olfactory disfunction. Poor sleep quality are integral part of complex changes related to Long COVID and should be part of patient's clinical management.

Incidence of Anosmia among Covid 19 patients in India.

The pandemic COVID-19 has relentlessly caused havoc to human life since its outbreak in December 2019. The disease has been a challenge for all. The clinical manifestations of Covid-19 ranges from no symptoms at all to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Anosmia being one of the important clinical features of COVID-19 has always been overlooked by the Indian population. This formed the background for this study. Aim To identify the incidence of anosmia reported in COVID- 19 patients in India. Materials and Methods Literature search was carried out from January 2020 to March 2021 in databases like PUBMED and Google Scholar using the key words "ANOSMIA", "HYPOSMIA" and "OLFACTORY DYSFUNCTION" in conjunction with "COVID-19", "SARS-COV-2", and "CORONAVIRUS". Boolean operators were used to narrow and broaden the search. The search yielded sixteen eligible articles. Result The scrutiny of the 16 articles revealed an incidence range of anosmia from 9.2% to 82% and an average anosmia incidence rate of 30.19%. The cumulative incidence rate of anosmia in those studies where objective analysis was done is 52.2% and 16.4% for subjective analysis. Discussion The prevalence of anosmia in Indian population is found to be much lesser than that reported by European countries due to ethnicity or negligence. Objective evaluation of anosmia in COVID-19 patients increases the incidence of anosmia drastically. Hence objective evaluations such as UPIST, SNIFFING STICK test, etc. is to be promoted. This study also Emphasises the lack of common gold standard testing for olfaction like vision and hearing.

Loss of Smell in COVID-19 Patients: New Biomarkers.

Patients with emerging anosmia may be asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus disease 2019 infection requiring self-isolation; otherwise, there are risks of facilitating the spread of the disease.This study aims to evaluate the loss of smell with visual analogue scale and to determine the relationship between the loss of smell and blood parameters.All patients' coronavirus disease 2019 swab cultures were polymerase chain reaction positive and pneumonia was found in computed tomographies consistent with oronavirus disease 2019. The study was conducted on 114 patients hospitalized between 01.11.2020 and 31.12.2020 in the Otorhinolaryngology coronavirus disease 2019 Service of University of Health Sciences Adana City Training and Research Hospital and followed up by us.A score of 10 indicates that the olfactory function is completely normal in all patients undergoing visual analogue scale, and a score of 0 indicates that they cannot smell anything. Patients who received visual analogue scale scored 10 points were categorized as Group 1 and others as Group 2. Statistical significance level was determined as p < 0.05. A statistically significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of visual analogue scale smell score, neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Visual analogue scale smell score, neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio value were found to be lower in Group 2 and lymphocyte count was found to be higher. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, which are also used in nasal diseases, may be used to detect loss of smell, predict, and even determine the prognosis of loss of smell if supported by further studies.

Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: a marker of good prognosis?

INTRODUCTION: In May 2020, the World Health Organization recognized olfactory dysfunction as a COVID-19 symptom. The presence of hyposmia/anosmia may be a marker of good prognosis in COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To associate the presence of olfaction disorder to the clinical condition severity in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Individuals with the flu syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2, diagnosed from March to June 2020, were recruited. They were divided into three groups: mild flu syndrome, severe flu syndrome (admitted to hospital wards) and critical illness (admitted to the ICU). Inpatients were interviewed by telephone contact after hospital discharge and their medical records were also evaluated regarding complementary test results. Outpatients answered an electronic questionnaire containing only clinical information. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients participated in the study: 23.75% with mild flu syndrome, 57.85% with severe flu syndrome and 18.40% with critical illness. A total of 66.28% patients with COVID-19 had olfaction disorders. In approximately 56.58% of the individuals the smell alterations lasted between 9 days and 2 months. There was a significantly higher proportion of individuals with olfactory dysfunction in the group with mild flu syndrome than in the severe flu syndrome group (mild × severe - p < 0.001; Odds Ratio = 4.63; 95% CI [1.87-10.86]). This relationship was also maintained between patients with mild flu syndrome and critically-ill patients (mild × critical - p <  0.001; Odds Ratio = 9.28; 95% CI [3.52-25.53]). CONCLUSION: Olfaction dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in patients with mild flu syndrome in COVID-19. It may be a predictor of a good prognosis for this infection. New population-based studies must be carried out to corroborate these findings.

Assessment of symptoms of the post-COVID-19 syndrome in patients with different rheumatic diseases

BackgroundPatients with rheumatic diseases significantly suffer during and after infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) refers to signs and symptoms occurring during or following a COVID-19 infection that continue beyond 12 weeks. The study aimed to assess PCS symptoms in rheumatic disease patients compared to a control group not suffering from a rheumatic disease or any other chronic illness.ResultsThe prevalence of PCS symptoms was significantly higher in rheumatic disease patients compared to the control group: fatigue (69.1% vs. 41.25%), myalgia (73.5% vs. 37.5%), attention deficits (57.4% vs. 40%), and muscle weakness (33.8% vs. 13.8%). Objectively, the study group had significantly higher scores for the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (35.46 ± 13.146 vs. 25.1 ± 7.587), Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2) (21.66 ± 10.3 vs. 11.6 ± 3.433), and higher grades of functional disability in the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale (PCFS). Rheumatic disease patients had significantly higher frequencies of anxiety and depression, as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and cognitive impairment, as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), than the controls (P = 0.023, P = 0.003, P = 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, SLE patients had the most symptoms and the highest FSS, SF-MPQ-2, PCFS, and HADS scores, as well as the lowest MMSE scores (P = 0.0001 for all except cough (P = 0.043), weakness (P = 0.015), paresthesia (P = 0.027), and anosmia (P = 0.039)). Lower disease duration, hospitalization during acute COVID-19, steroid use, smoking, and biologics non-use were significantly associated with higher PCS symptoms. Smoking was a significant risk factor (P = 0.048), and biologics use was protective (P = 0.03). Rheumatic disease patients who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccinations had better scores on the FSS, HADS for anxiety and depression, and MMSE than those who received a single dose (P = 0.005, P = 0.001, P = 0.009, P = 0.01).ConclusionRheumatic disease patients have a higher prevalence and risk of PCS, so strict follow-up, avoiding smoking, controlling disease activity, and COVID-19 vaccinations are essential for decreasing the morbidity of PCS.

Factores asociados a la anosmia y ageusia en pacientes COVID-19 de una provincia peruana

Objetivo: identificar la presentación clínica y los factores asociados a la anosmia y ageusia en pacientes con la COVID-19 en un centro de salud de una provincia del Perú en el período de 2020-2021. Métodos: estudio transversal analítico a través de los datos del programa COVID-19 del Policlínico Essalud de Jauja – Perú. Se detallaron características sociodemográficas, sintomatología y comorbilidades de los pacientes. A través de un análisis bivariado se identificó los factores asociados a la anosmia y ageusia. Resultados: se identificó a 356 pacientes: 53,1 % fueron mujeres, la edad media fue 48,7 años (±17,8) y 261 (73,3 %) con COVID-19 leve. Del total, el 22,2 % presentó anosmia y 19,9 % ageusia;de los cuales la mayoría fueron menores de 65 años y del sexo femenino. Presentaron síntomas asociados un 86,1 % de los pacientes con anosmia y un 83,1% con ageusia. Los principales factores asociados a la anosmia fueron: la edad menor a 65 años (p=0,027), tos (p<0,001), cefalea (p<0,001), disnea (p<0,001), congestión nasal (p<0,001) y fiebre (p<0,001);y a la ageusia: edad menor a 65 años (p=0,006), tos (p=0,001), cefalea (p<0,001), disnea (p<0,001), congestión nasal (p<0,001) y diarrea (p<0,001). Conclusiones: la anosmia y ageusia son síntomas frecuentes de la COVID-19. La mayoría de pacientes presentaron estos síntomas asociados a los síntomas comunes. Gran parte de los que presentaban anosmia presentaron congestión nasal por lo que es recomendable considerar diferenciarlos al momento de realizar el diagnóstico.Alternate : Objective: To identify the clinical presentation and factors associated with anosmia and ageusia in patients with COVID-19 in a health center in a province of Peru for the period 2020-2021. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study through data from the COVID-19 program of the Essalud Polyclinic in Jauja, Peru. Sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and comorbidities of the patients were detailed. A bivariate analysis identified the factors associated with anosmia and ageusia. Results: 356 patients were identified: 53.1 % were women, mean age was 48.7 years (±17.8) and 261 (73.3%) with mild COVID-19. Of the total, 22.2% had anosmia and 19.9% ageusia;of which the majority were under 65 and female. Associated symptoms were found in 86.1% of patients with anosmia and 83.1% with ageusia. The main factors associated with anosmia were age younger than 65 years (p=0.027), cough (p<0.001), headache (p<0.001), dyspnea (p<0.001), nasal congestion (p<0.001) and fever (p<0.001);and ageusia: age younger than 65 years (p=0.006), cough (p=0.001), headache (p<0.001), dyspnea (p<0.001), nasal congestion (p<0.001) and diarrhea (p<0.001). Conclusion: Anosmia and ageusia are common symptoms of COVID-19. Most patients had these symptoms associated with common symptoms. Many of those who had anosmia had nasal congestion, so it is advisable to consider differentiating them when making the diagnosis.

Clinical risk factors for predicting anti-Sars-CoV-2 antibody immunoreactivity duration after mild COVID-19 infection

Introdução: a doença causada pelo coronavírus (COVID-19) é complexa e multissistêmica. Ainda não se sabe se os sintomas da fase aguda estão correlacionados com a duração da resposta imune e com a persistência dos sintomas crônicos. Objetivo: o presente estudo visa acessar e monitorar os sintomas clínicos do COVID-19, correlacionando-os com a produção de anticorpos neutralizantes. Método: uma coorte de 69 profissionais da saúde da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (HUCAM-UFES/EBSERH) diagnosticados com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada via RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) foram avaliados do início dos sintomas até seis meses depois. Exames laboratoriais de IgG e IgM foram utilizados para detectar a presença de IgG e IgM contra a proteína do nucleocapsídeo do vírus SARS-CoV-2 nas amostras de plasma sanguíneo. Sorologia de anticorpos IgG e IgM, função pulmonar via espirometria e avaliação clínica dos pacientes foram realizadas nos dias 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 e 180 após o início dos sintomas da doença. Resultados: sessenta e nove profissionais da saúde (idade, 40 ± 10 anos;74% mulheres) foram avaliados por seis meses. Todos apresentaram a forma leve a moderada do COVID-19. O número médio de sintomas foi 5.1 (± 2.3). O sintoma inicial mais comum foi dor muscular (77%), cefaleia (75%), anosmia (70%), ageusia (64%), coriza (59%), febre (52%), e tosse (52%). Após 30 dias, os pacientes mantiveram anosmia (18%), astenia (18%), adinamia (14%), dor muscular (7%), e ageusia (7%). Em relação à função pulmonar, 9.25% apresentaram padrão obstrutivo e todos recuperaram ao final dos seis meses. Dentre todos os participantes analisados, 18/69 (26%) não obtiveram nenhum valor de IgG e IgM considerados reagentes nos exames realizados. A curva sorológica de IgG mostrou um pico enquanto a de IgM apresentou seu maior valor médio no 15º dia. Houve um declínio progressivo e níveis similares aos basais aos 90. 15/53 (28%) permaneceram com IgG reagente após seis meses. Dor de garganta e dispneia foram considerados fatores de risco independentes, e os pacientes com esses sintomas tiveram 5,9 vezes mais chances de apresentar IgG reativa no 180º dia. Pacientes com diarreia tiveram quatro vezes mais chances de apresentar IgM reagente. Conclusão: nossos achados mostraram que 26% dos pacientes não produziram uma resposta humoral pós-COVID-19 leve. Seus títulos de anticorpos caíram significativamente após 90 dias e apenas 28% mantiveram anticorpos IgG reativos após seis meses. Dor de garganta e dispneia foram preditores de maior duração da resposta imune humoral.Alternate abstract: Introduction: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a complex multisystem disorder. It is not yet well known whether symptoms in the acute phase correlate with the duration of the immune response and the persistence of chronic symptoms. Objective: this study aimed to assess and monitor the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and correlate them with the production of neutralizing antibodies. Methods: a cohort of 69 health workers at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (HUCAM-UFES/EBSERH) diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed via RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction) were evaluated from the onset of symptoms up to six months. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM assays were used to detect the presence of IgG and IgM against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 in serum samples. IgG and IgM antibody serology, pulmonary function via spirometry, and the clinical evolution of patients were performed at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 180 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Results: sixty-nine health workers (age, 40 ± 10 years;74% women) were evaluated for six months. All subjects showed mild to moderate COVID-19. The mean number of symptoms was 5.1 (± 2.3). The most common initial symptoms were muscle pain (77%), headache (75%), anosmia (70%), ageusia (64%), runny nose (59%), fever (52%), and coughing (52%). After 30 days, the patients had anosmia (18%), asthenia (18%), adynamia (14%), muscle pain (7%), and ageusia (7%). Regarding lung function, 9.25% presented with an obstructive pattern, and all recovered after six months. Of all analyzed participants, 18/69 (26%) did not have any reactive IgG or IgM values in any of the assessments. The IgG serology curve showed a peak, whereas IgM had the highest mean value on the 15th day. There was a progressive decrease and levels similar to those at baseline after 90 days, and 15/53 (28%) remained with reactive IgG after six months. Sore throat and shortness of breath were found to be independent risk factors, and patients with these symptoms were 5.9 times more likely to have reactive IgG on the 180th day. Patients with diarrhea were four times more likely to have reactive IgM. Conclusion: our findings showed that 26% of patients did not produce a humoral response post-mild COVID-19. Their antibody titers dropped significantly after 90 days, and only 28% maintained reactive IgG antibodies after six months. Sore throat and shortness of breath are predictors of a longer duration of the humoral immune response.

2019-NCoV: What every neurologist should know?

The 2019 novel Corona Virus pandemic beginning from Wuhan, China primarily affects the respiratory tract but its has impacted clinical practice across a range of specialities including neurology. We review the bearing of the 2019 NCoV infection on neurological practice. Neurological manifestations are less common than respiratory manifestations, yet conspicuous, affecting nearly over a third of hospitalized individuals. These may be classified in to early – headache, dizziness, hyposmia and hypogeusia and late – encephalopathy. Rarely but surely, a very small proportion of infected individuals might present with stroke. Certain neurological conditions, including cerebrovascular disease in both China and Italy and dementia in Italy predispose to infection and more severe manifestations, requiring intensive care unit admission. There is no convincing evidence that the manifestations, course and outcome of various neurological disorders is impacted by 2019 nCoV infection. Concerns of an increased risk of febrile seizures offset by a reduced frequency of infection in the paediatric age group. Individuals with multiple sclerosis might potentially experience both true and pseudorelapses. Besides a direct effect, 2019 nCoV has tremendously affected neurological care by disrupting the continuity of care and the availability of neurological medicines worldwide. Neurologists should respond to this challenge by developing and sustaining innovative methods of providing care as well as alerting the society at large to adopt measures to contain the spread of 2019 nCoV.

The challenge of managing parkinson's disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

The 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) pandemic is rapidly developing across the globe and new information is emerging expeditiously and constantly, particularly in relation to neurological illnesses. Both central and peripheral nervous system involvement has been reported including headache, dizziness, hyposmia/anosmia, taste disturbances, seizures, stroke, alteration of the sensorium, and even acute hemorrhagic necrotizing leukoencephalopathy. Varying degrees of olfactory disturbances may pre-empt the diagnosis of COVID-19. Although no direct effect of 2019 nCoV has been reported yet on Parkinson's disease, there are enormous possible indirect effects and implications. We examine the potential effects and challenges posed by this pandemic to individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly in the Indian context where telecommunication access or support group access may be lacking for these patients. Additionally, lockdown and social distancing may pose hurdles in the provision of optimum medical therapy, particularly if patients experience motor and non-motor deteriorations due to diverse reasons.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients with the Assessment of Self-reported Olfactory Functioning and Olfaction-related Quality of Life Questionnaire

Objective: This study aims to investigate the olfactory and taste disorders (OTD) in Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and their effects on the quality of life (QoL). Methods: This study was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022. The study group consisted of 30 COVID-19 patients, and the control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. The assessment of self-reported olfactory functioning and olfaction-related quality of life (ASOF) questionnaire was administered to all subjects. ASOF consists of 3 sections: The subjective olfactory capability scale (SOC), the self-reported capability of perceiving specific odors scale (SRP), and the olfactory-related quality of life scale (ORQ). The ASOF questionnaires, frequency, and type of OTD were examined. Results: Twelve (30%) patients had olfaction disorders (OD). Five patients (16.66%) had anosmia, and 7 (23.33%) had hyposmia. Ten (33.33%) patients had taste disorders (TD). Seven (23.33%) patients had hypogeusia and 3 (10%) had ageusia. Nine (30%) patients defined the most disordered taste as salty taste and 1 (3.3%) described it as sweet. In the ASOF results, the number of subjects with abnormal olfactory abilities was 0 in the control group, and 12 in the study group the number of subjects with problems in odor perception was 0 in the control group, and 8 in the study group, the number of subjects with odor-related problems in QoL was 0 in the control group, and 12 in the study group. ASOF-SOC, ASOF-SRP, and ASOF-QRQ scores were significantly higher in the study group (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: OTD is common in COVID-19 and may affect QoL. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of European Archives of Medical Research is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

A longitudinal study of olfactory dysfunction and parosmia in mild COVID-19 cases.

Background: COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction (OD) can persist long after patients recover from acute infection, yet few studies have investigated the long-term progression of this complication. Moreover, existing studies are focused on hyposmia/anosmia but parosmia is becoming an increasingly recognized long-term symptom. Methods: We completed a longitudinal study about OD in individuals with mild cases of COVID-19. Participants completed a questionnaire and Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT) one week, one month and one year after diagnosis. At one-year, participants completed an additional survey about parosmia. Results: We obtained questionnaires and psychophysical olfactory testing information from participants at one week (n=45), one month (n=38), and one year (n=33) post COVID-19 diagnosis. At one-year, 15.2% of participants had persistent OD and 66.7% of participants reported experiencing parosmia at some point following COVID-19 diagnosis. The mean onset of parosmia was 1.3 weeks (SD: 1.9 weeks) after diagnosis, although two patients reported delayed onset (>4 weeks after diagnosis). Eight patients (24.2%) reported ongoing parosmia one year after diagnosis. Of the patients whose parosmia resolved, the mean duration of symptoms was 7.2 weeks (SD: 7.3 weeks). Conclusion: Decreased sense of smell associated with COVID-19 infection has received significant recognition in both the media and in the medical literature. Symptoms of OD and parosmia were common in our patients with COVID-19. Hyposmia, anosmia, and parosmia, all decrease quality of life, necessitating continued research to understand the pathogenesis, course of symptoms, and possible treatment for these complications.

Post Viral Olfactory Dysfunction After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Anticipated Post-pandemic Clinical Challenge.

Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) is the second most common symptom of post coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) now being termed long-COVID. Its prevalence after recovery from COVID-19 is estimated to be 12% after nearly 6 months of follow-up. It thus becomes imperative for the treating clinicians to update themselves with the pathophysiology of this post COVID disability as well as the tools for diagnosis and the available treatment options. A systematic literature search was performed as per PRISMA guidelines in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and medRxiv databases. The keywords used were covid-19, Olfactory Disorders, Smell, Anosmia, PVOD, Post Viral Olfactory Disorders, post-covid and post haul. All articles were studied for definition, mechanism, diagnostic tests and treatment options for post COVID OD. 33 published articles and 8 ongoing trials were found relevant and included after full-text review. SARS-CoV-2 can cause conductive, neural and central OD. Olfactory evaluation can be done both subjectively (visual analogue scale) and objectively (Sniffin' sticks, Sinonasal Outcome Test, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and modified Davidson's alcohol sniff test). They can be used to detect and follow-up patients. Despite several on-going clinical trials, the most reliable and advisable treatment option available till date is olfactory training.

Olfactory disorders in COVID-19 patients as a prognostic factor: a systematic review

Background: The reduction, loss, or impaired sense of smell and taste is common in patients with COVID-19. We aimed to investigate olfactory disorders (ODs) in patients with COVID-19 as a prognostic factor. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies that assessed ODs in patients with COVID-19 were included. International databases, including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched up to 20 March 2021. The random-effects model was used to combine the results of studies. Results were reported with a 95% confidence interval. Results: In this study, out of 724 references, ten studies had the inclusion criteria. The odds of death in patients with the OD were 69% lower than in those without the ODs (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.69), and OD increased the odds of positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (OR = 13.34, 95% CI: 4.2, 42.37). Conclusions: The findings of our study showed that OD had an inverse and significant relationship with death in COVID-19 patients, and the patients with OD seemed to have a lower risk of mortality. © 2023, The Author(s).

Relationship Between Smell Disorders and Pulmonary Involvement in COVID-19

Aim: Some symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are more common in patients without pulmonary involvement and in patients with a good prognosis. Although it is known that smelling disorders are more common in patients with a good prognosis, their relationship with pulmonary involvement is unknown. This study ianvestigated the relationship between smell disorders and pulmonary involvement in COVID-19. Method(s): This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2022 and July 2022 and included 60 COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement and 60 COVID-19 patients without pulmonary involvement. Phone-call interviews were performed with all patients 1 month after the diagnosis of COVID-19 and their sense of smell was questioned with a questionnaire. The prevalence of smell disorders, type and severity of smell disorders were questioned, and participants were asked to grade their answers from 0 to 10. Result(s): In 58 (48.3%) of the patients, smell disorders were found to be present. Hyposmia was detected in 35 (60.34%), and anosmia was detected in 23 (39.66%) of these patients. Smell disorder was present in 20 (33.3%) patients with pulmonary involvement and in 38 (63.3%) patients without pulmonary involvement. The prevalence of smell disorders was significantly higher in patients without pulmonary involvement (p=0.001). Hyposmia in 15 patients (25%) and anosmia in 5 patients (8.3%) were found in patients with pulmonary involvement. Hyposmia in 20 patients (33.3%) and anosmia in 5 patients (8.3%) were found in patients without pulmonary involvement. The prevalence of anosmia was significantly higher in patients without pulmonary involvement (p=0.003). The smell disorders were significantly more severe in patients without pulmonary involvement (p=0.042). Conclusion(s): Smell disorders are seen more frequently and more severely in patients without pulmonary involvement due to COVID-19 than in patients with pulmonary involvement. Copyright © 2022 by The Medical Bulletin of Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital The Medical Bulletin of Haseki published by Galenos Yayinevi.

Chemosensory Dysfunction 3-Months After COVID-19, Medications and Factors Associated with Complete Recovery.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the longitudinal prevalence and recovery of olfactory, gustatory, and oral chemesthetic deficits in a sizable cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected persons using quantitative testing. To determine whether demographic and clinical factors, mainly the medications used after the COVID-19 diagnosis, influence the test measures. METHODS: Prospective cohort in a hospital with primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 were tested during the acute infection phase (within 15 days of initial symptom, n = 187) and one (n = 113) and 3 months later (n = 73). The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, the Global Gustatory Test, and a novel test for chemesthesis were administered at all visits. RESULTS: During the acute phase, 93% were anosmic or microsmic and 29.4% were hypogeusic. No one was ageusic. A deficit in oral chemesthesis was present in 13.4%. By 3 months, taste and chemesthesis had largely recovered, however, some degree of olfactory dysfunction remained in 54.8%. Remarkably, patients who had been treated with anticoagulants tended to have more olfactory improvement. Recovery was greater in men than in women, but was unrelated to disease severity, smoking behavior, or the use of various medications prior to, or during, COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: When using quantitative testing, olfactory disturbances were found in nearly all SARS-CoV-2 infected patients during the acute infection phase. Taste or chemesthetic deficits were low. Olfactory impairment persisted to some degree in over half of the patients at the 3-month follow-up evaluation, being more common in women and less common in those who had been treated earlier with anticoagulants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The prevalence of anosmia among patients with COVID-19 in Istanbul, Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease entity that appeared in late 2019. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of loss of smell and/or taste among patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and identify demographic and clinical differences between patients with and without anosmia/dysgeusia. Method(s): The study was performed in a referral center for COVID-19 in Istanbul, Turkey between the months of April and July 2020. The responses from a set of questions in regard to loss of sense of smell and/or taste were collected. None of these patients were exposed to any further examination or testing related to their senses of smell and/or taste. The data in regard to the patients being tested as well as their demographic information and co-morbidities associated with their condition were collected. Result(s): Twenty patients (10 male, 10 females, mean age 43.3 years) out of 86 patients (49 male, 37 female, median age 49.5 years), who tested positive for COVID-19, declared a loss of smell and/or taste. Nineteen patients (19/20, 95%) had a full recovery, and one (1/20, 5%) had partial recovery at the end of two weeks. Conclusion(s): Our results indicate that 23.3% of patients who tested positive with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing for COVID-19 had loss of sense of smell to a certain extent. Copyright@Author(s)