Association of anosmia and neutralizing antibody production in adolescents with SARS-CoV-2.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
; 164: 111403, 2022 Nov 25.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2241006
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
To monitor olfactory/gustatory dysfunction and its relationship to SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses in an adolescent population.METHODS:
Adolescents with changes in olfactory/gustatory functions were enrolled in a 15-month study. The patients were evaluated with 1) SNOT-22, 2) pediatric smell wheel, and 3) SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. The relationship between these scores and length of anosmia, and the amount of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were assessed. A brain MRI was performed in cases of persistent special sensory symptoms.RESULTS:
Eighteen patients were identified with smell and/or taste complaints. Most of the patients were female (67%) and median age was 15 years (range 11-17). Twelve patients had prior SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, with only five patients with a positive result. The median SNOT-22 score was 16 (range 0-52) and the median smell wheel score was 6.5 (range 1-11). Patients with taste difficulty were more likely to have a score less than eight. 78% of the patients tested positive for antibodies and there was a strong negative correlation between smell wheel score and antibody level (Spearman, ρ = -0.798, p = 0.002). Five patients underwent MRI scan, and all resulted as normal olfactory bulb structures. 66% received nasal corticosteroids. 11 patients presented in follow up.CONCLUSIONS:
Adolescents presenting to a pediatric ENT clinic during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were likely to have prolonged (>6 weeks) symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. The majority do not report positive PCR testing result but do report systemic symptoms including anosmia. This suggests that anosmia may be both a late and prolonged symptom of SARS-CoV-2.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Long Covid
Language:
English
Journal:
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.ijporl.2022.111403
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