Management of new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic - BRS Consensus Guidelines.
Clin Otolaryngol
; 46(1): 16-22, 2021 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-732108
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
The primary aim of the study is to provide recommendations for the investigation and management of patients with new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic.DESIGN:
After undertaking a literature review, we used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi-step process to reach consensus about treatment options, onward referral, and imaging. SETTING ANDPARTICIPANTS:
An expert panel consisting of 15 members was assembled. A literature review was undertaken prior to the study and evidence was summarised for the panellists. MAIN OUTCOMEMEASURES:
The panel undertook a process of ranking and classifying appropriateness of different investigations and treatment options for new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a 9-point Likert scale, panellists scored whether a treatment was Not recommended, optional, or recommended. Consensus was achieved when more than 70% of responses fell into the category defined by the mean.RESULTS:
Consensus was reached on the majority of statements after 2 rounds of ranking. Disagreement meant no recommendation was made regarding one treatment, using Vitamin A drops. Alpha-lipoic acid was not recommended, olfactory training was recommended for all patients with persistent loss of sense of smell of more than 2 weeks duration, and oral steroids, steroid rinses, and omega 3 supplements may be considered on an individual basis. Recommendations regarding the need for referral and investigation have been made.CONCLUSION:
This study identified the appropriateness of olfactory training, different medical treatment options, referral guidelines and imaging for patients with COVID-19-related loss of sense of smell. The guideline may evolve as our experience of COVID-19 develops.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Smell
/
Disease Management
/
Consensus
/
Pandemics
/
COVID-19
/
Olfaction Disorders
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Clin Otolaryngol
Journal subject:
Otolaryngology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Coa.13636
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