Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 according to individuals' perception and olfactory test among health care workers

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Olfactory disfunction is a common marker for COVID-19 phenotype, mainly, during its acute phase. However, olfactory recovery is a controversial issue which requires further investigation. Objective(s) Verify olfactory dysfunction in health care workers with COVID-19 according to individual perception and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center olfactory test (CCCRC OT). Method(s) A cross-sectional study was conducted in health care workers positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR or serological tests who perceived olfactory dysfunction. Epidemiological and clinical data were extracted, as well as time from loose, test and recovery of olfaction;and the degree of olfactory dysfunction was assessed using individual perception and CCCRC OT. Result(s) A total of 173 participants were included. CCCRC OT was performed approximately 45 days (45.08+/-20.21) after positive test. Participants were allocated into two groups according to CCCRC OT (G1) 33/173 [19.1%] normal sense of smell;(G2) 140/173 [80.9%] altered sense of smell. The mean time of olfactory dysfunction was lower in the G1 than G2 group (9.42+/-4.99 days vs. 17.14+/- 3.74 days;P<.001);while there were no differences in the other measured moments. Full recovery was reported by 66 (38.2%) individuals, but only 33 (19.1%) individuals showed normal results at CCCRC OT. Conclusion(s) Time for initial olfactory recovery after SARS-CoV-2 infection has proved to be the best prognostic factor for complete recovery. Also, olfactory objective tests are essential for reliable assessment.