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Hintschich CA, Ma C, Hähner A, Hummel T. Pronounced Olfactory Habituation with Age. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:3765-3768. [PMID: 38597777 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Olfactory habituation is a transient decrease in olfactory sensitivity caused by prolonged odor exposure, aiding in the discernment of new olfactory stimuli against the background. We explored the impact of subclinical olfactory impairment on odor habituation using age as a proxy. METHODS Before the actual experiment, the individual olfactory threshold for the rose-like odorant phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) was assessed separately for the left and right nostril using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test, and ratings for odor intensity and pleasantness were collected. After applying a nasal clip continuously delivering PEA odor to one nostril for 10 min and 2 h, respectively, threshold, intensity, and pleasantness were reassessed immediately after clip removal. RESULTS In the group of 80 participants (younger adults-mean age 27.7 ± 4.5 years; older adults-mean age 61.5 ± 4.7 years), olfactory thresholds were already significantly elevated after just 10 min, and this habituation was even more pronounced after 2 h. This effect could be observed bilaterally even though significantly more distinct on the exposed side. Older participants generally exhibited a more pronounced habituation on the exposed side after 2 h compared to the younger participants. CONCLUSION The results indicate that older people experience more notable habituation after extended exposure to odors. This is most likely due to the compromised olfactory function in age. Although older and younger subjects scored in the normosmic range when tested with standardized olfactory tests, the stress on the system after exposure to an odor clearly revealed the lower functionality of the aging sense of smell. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3765-3768, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin A Hintschich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Cindy Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Hähner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Abe K, Sugiyama A, Ito N, Miwata K, Kitahara Y, Okimoto M, Mirzaev U, Kurisu A, Akita T, Ko K, Takahashi K, Kubo T, Takafuta T, Tanaka J. Variant-specific Symptoms After COVID-19: A Hospital-based Study in Hiroshima. J Epidemiol 2024; 34:238-246. [PMID: 37574270 PMCID: PMC10999520 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20230103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms after novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 strains are unspecified. METHODS This self-administered questionnaire-based study was conducted to investigate symptoms after COVID-19 recovery at one of the main hospitals for COVID-19 treatment in Hiroshima, Japan, from September 2020 to March 2022 for patients who visited follow-up consultations after COVID-19. Study subjects were divided into four groups (Wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron periods) according to COVID-19 onset date. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to determine symptom clusters and investigate risk factors for each symptom cluster using multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among 385 patients who enrolled in this study, 249 patients had any persistent symptoms at a median of 23.5 (interquartile range, 20-31) days after COVID-19 onset. Among patients with any persistent symptoms, symptom clusters including olfactory or taste disorders, respiratory symptoms, and cardiac symptoms were found. Respiratory symptoms were more frequent among patients infected in the Omicron period compared to the Wild-type period (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-7.48). Compared to patients who recovered from mild COVID-19, patients who needed oxygen or ventilation support suffered fewer post-COVID-19 respiratory symptoms (AOR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22-0.97) but more post-COVID-19 cardiac symptoms among them (AOR 2.67; 95% CI, 1.26-5.65). Olfactory or taste disorders were fewer among patients infected in the Omicron period compared to the Wild-type period (AOR 0.14; 95% CI, 0.04-0.46). CONCLUSION This study revealed that symptoms after COVID-19 may vary depending on the infected strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanon Abe
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Aya Sugiyama
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Noriaki Ito
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kei Miwata
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Mafumi Okimoto
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ulugbek Mirzaev
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Scientific Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Akemi Kurisu
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ko Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takahashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kubo
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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AlEnazi AS, Alharbi MA, Althomaly DH, Ashoor MMS, Alwazzeh MJ, Halawani RT, Buohliqah LA, Telmesani LM. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, evaluation and the impact on quality of life among COVID-19 patients: a multi-centre study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5403-5409. [PMID: 37915638 PMCID: PMC10617925 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are frequently reported symptoms among COVID-19 patients. However, several reports suggested that there might be significant variation in the prevalence and clinical picture of chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients among different population. Objective To study the prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction, recovery time and its impact on quality of life (QoL) among COVID-19 patients in Saudi population. Methods This multi-centre observational study was conducted at three COVID-19 centres in Saudi Arabia. Epidemiological and clinical data were extracted at baseline and within the 2-month post-infection. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were assessed via valid taste and smell questionnaire, electronically collected via online survey. Short version of questionnaire of Olfactory disorders-negative statements (sQOD-NS) was used to assess the impact on QoL. Result Total 1734 patients [926 males and 808 females, the mean age of patients was 37.7±11.6 years] with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 were recruited for this study. Chemosensory dysfunction was reported in 56.5% cases. olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were significantly high in females (66.2%) and age group younger than or equal to 40 years (62.2%). Among patients with olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction, recovery rate was 757 (77.2%) and 702 (71.6%). Furthermore, the recovery time was within 8 days of onset of symptoms in 53.6% and 61.3% of olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction cases, respectively. Overall mean QoL score indicated Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction has significant impact on QoL [11.3±6.2 (P value<0.001)]. female as compared to males (12.8±7). Females had significant impact on QoL (11.4±6.6) as compared to males [12.8±7 (P value<0.001)]. Conclusion Chemosensory dysfunction among Saudi population was comparable to the European data and significantly higher than Asian supporting the fact that these symptoms vary as per ethnicity. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction significantly impaired QoL and could present as an early symptom of COVID-19. Recovery rate of these symptoms can serve as a good prognostic data for patient's counselling. Further long-term follow-up studies would lead to better understanding of prognosis and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marwan Jaber Alwazzeh
- Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam
| | - Roa Talal Halawani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery ,Ohud General Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Medina
| | - Lamia Abdulwahab Buohliqah
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Qatif Center Hospital, Ministry of Health, AL Qatif, Saudi Arabia
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Vilarello BJ, Jacobson PT, Tervo JP, Gallagher LW, Caruana FF, Gary JB, Saak TM, Gudis DA, Joseph PV, Goldberg TE, Devanand D, Overdevest JB. BMI Increases in Individuals with COVID-19-Associated Olfactory Dysfunction. Nutrients 2023; 15:4538. [PMID: 37960191 PMCID: PMC10648323 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Reports suggest COVID-19-associated olfactory dysfunction (OD) may result in alterations in dietary behaviors and perceived weight change, but few studies using psychophysical evaluation of post-COVID-19-associated chemosensory dysfunction and body mass index (BMI) exist. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of both quantitative and qualitative features of COVID-19-associated OD on BMI; (2) Methods: Recruitment of thirty-one participants with self-reported OD in the form of quantitative loss with and without qualitative features. Surveys with questions specific to qualitative olfactory function, Sniffin' Sticks tests, and BMI measures were completed at two visits, one year apart. Group differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and the Holm-Bonferroni method; (3) Results: Individuals with persistent quantitative OD (n = 15) and self-reported parosmia (n = 19) showed statistically significant increases in BMI after 1 year (p = 0.004, adjusted α = 0.0125; p = 0.011, adjusted α = 0.0167). Controls with transient quantitative OD (n = 16) and participants without self-reported parosmia (n = 12) showed no statistically significant changes in BMI over the same time period (p = 0.079, adjusted α = 0.05; p = 0.028, adjusted α = 0.025); (4) Conclusions: This study shows an association between COVID-19-associated OD and BMI, suggesting olfaction may play a role in altering dietary habits and nutrition in this population. Larger study cohorts are needed to further evaluate this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J. Vilarello
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Patricia T. Jacobson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jeremy P. Tervo
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Liam W. Gallagher
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Francesco F. Caruana
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joseph B. Gary
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tiana M. Saak
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David A. Gudis
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Paule V. Joseph
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism & National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Terry E. Goldberg
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - D.P. Devanand
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan B. Overdevest
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Boscolo-Rizzo P, Hummel T, Invitto S, Spinato G, Tomasoni M, Emanuelli E, Tofanelli M, Cavicchia A, Grill V, Vaira LA, Lechien JR, Borsetto D, Polesel J, Dibattista M, Menini A, Hopkins C, Tirelli G. Psychophysical assessment of olfactory and gustatory function in post-mild COVID-19 patients: A matched case-control study with 2-year follow-up. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2023; 13:1864-1875. [PMID: 36852674 DOI: 10.1002/alr.23148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to psychophysically evaluate the prevalence of smell and taste dysfunction 2 years after mildly symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection compared to that observed at 1-year follow-up and while considering the background of chemosensory dysfunction in the no-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) population. METHOD This is a prospective case-control study on 93 patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection and 93 matched controls. Self-reported olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was assessed by 22-item Sino-Nasal-Outcome Test (SNOT-22), item "Sense of smell or taste." Psychophysical orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function and gustatory performance were estimated using the extended Sniffin' Sticks test battery, 20 powdered tasteless aromas, and taste strips test, respectively. Nasal trigeminal sensitivity was assessed by sniffing a 70% solution of acetic acid. RESULTS The two psychophysical assessments of chemosensory function took place after a median of 409 days (range, 366-461 days) and 765 days (range, 739-800 days) from the first SARS-CoV-2-positive swab, respectively. At 2-year follow-up, cases exhibited a decrease in the prevalence of olfactory (27.9% vs. 42.0%; absolute difference, -14.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -21.8% to -2.6%; p = 0.016) and gustatory dysfunction (14.0% vs. 25.8%; absolute difference, -11.8%; 95% CI, -24.2% to 0.6%; p = 0.098). Subjects with prior COVID-19 were more likely than controls to have an olfactory dysfunction (27.9% vs. 10.8 %; absolute difference, 17.2%; 95% CI, 5.2% to 28.8%) but not gustatory dysfunction (14.0% vs. 9.7%; absolute difference, 4.3%; 95% CI, -5.8% to 14.4% p = 0.496) still 2 years after the infection. Overall, 3.2% of cases were still anosmic 2 years after the infection. CONCLUSIONS Although a proportion of subjects recovered from long-lasting smell/taste dysfunction more than 1 year after COVID-19, cases still exhibited a significant excess of olfactory dysfunction 2 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection when compared to matched controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sara Invitto
- INSPIRE LAB-Laboratory of Cognitive and Psychophysiological Olfactory Processes, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giacomo Spinato
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
- Unit of Otolaryngology, Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria 2-Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Michele Tomasoni
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enzo Emanuelli
- Unit of Otolaryngology, Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria 2-Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Margherita Tofanelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Angelo Cavicchia
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Grill
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Angelo Vaira
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Mons School of Medicine, UMONS. Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Mons, Belgium
| | - Daniele Borsetto
- Department of ENT, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Michele Dibattista
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari A. Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Menini
- Neurobiology Group, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Claire Hopkins
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Boscolo-Rizzo P, Tirelli G, Meloni P, Hopkins C, Lechien JR, Madeddu G, Bonini P, Gardenal N, Cancellieri E, Lazzarin C, Borsetto D, De Vito A, De Riu G, Vaira LA. Recovery from olfactory and gustatory dysfunction following COVID-19 acquired during Omicron BA.1 wave in Italy. Am J Otolaryngol 2023; 44:103944. [PMID: 37354725 PMCID: PMC10247593 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.103944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite alterations in the sense of smell and taste have dominated the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the prevalence and the severity of self-reporting COVID-19 associated olfactory and gustatory dysfunction has dropped significantly with the advent of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant. However, data on the evolution of Omicron-related chemosensory impairment are still lacking. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and the recovery rate of self-reported chemosensory dysfunction 6-month after SARS-CoV-2 infection acquired during the predominance of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant in Italy. METHODS Prospective observational study based on the sino-nasal outcome tool 22 (SNOT-22), item "sense of smell or taste" and additional outcomes conducted in University hospitals and tertiary referral centers in Italy. RESULTS Of 338 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 completing the baseline survey, 294 (87.0 %) responded to the 6-month follow-up interview. Among them, 101 (34.4 %) and 4 (1.4 %) reported an altered sense of smell or taste at baseline and at 6 months, respectively. Among the 101 patients with COVID-19-associated smell or taste dysfunction during the acute phase of the disease, 97 (96.0 %) reported complete resolution at 6 months. The duration of smell or taste impairment was significantly shorter in vaccinated patients (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Compared with that observed in subjects infected during the first wave of the pandemic, the recovery rate from chemosensory dysfunctions reported in the present series of patients infected during the predominance of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant was more favorable with a shorter duration being positively influenced by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Meloni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Elsan Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Giordano Madeddu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Infectious Disease Unit, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Bonini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Gardenal
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emilia Cancellieri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Lazzarin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Borsetto
- Department of ENT, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea De Vito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Infectious Disease Unit, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giacomo De Riu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigi Angelo Vaira
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy; PhD School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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von Bartheld CS, Wang L. Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction with the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cells 2023; 12:430. [PMID: 36766771 PMCID: PMC9913864 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The omicron variant is thought to cause less olfactory dysfunction than previous variants of SARS-CoV-2, but the reported prevalence differs greatly between populations and studies. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide information regarding regional differences in prevalence as well as an estimate of the global prevalence of olfactory dysfunction based on 62 studies reporting information on 626,035 patients infected with the omicron variant. Our estimate of the omicron-induced prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in populations of European ancestry is 11.7%, while it is significantly lower in all other populations, ranging between 1.9% and 4.9%. When ethnic differences and population sizes are considered, the global prevalence of omicron-induced olfactory dysfunction in adults is estimated to be 3.7%. Omicron's effect on olfaction is twofold to tenfold lower than that of the alpha or delta variants according to previous meta-analyses and our analysis of studies that directly compared the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction between omicron and previous variants. The profile of the prevalence differences between ethnicities mirrors the results of a recent genome-wide association study that connected a gene locus encoding an odorant-metabolizing enzyme, UDP glycosyltransferase, to the extent of COVID-19-related loss of smell. Our analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that this enzyme contributes to the observed population differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. von Bartheld
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0352, USA
| | - Lingchen Wang
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0275, USA
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von Bartheld CS, Wang L. Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction with the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2022.12.16.22283582. [PMID: 36561176 PMCID: PMC9774228 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.16.22283582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The omicron variant is thought to cause less olfactory dysfunction than previous variants of SARS-CoV-2, but the reported prevalence differs greatly between populations and studies. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide information about regional differences in prevalence as well as an estimate of the global prevalence of olfactory dysfunction based on 62 studies reporting on 626,035 patients infected with the omicron variant. Our estimate of the omicron-induced prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in populations of European ancestry is 11.7%, while it is significantly lower in all other populations, ranging between 1.9% and 4.9%. When ethnic differences and population sizes are taken into account, the global prevalence of omicron-induced olfactory dysfunction in adults is estimated at 3.7%. Omicron’s effect on olfaction is twofold to tenfold lower than that of the alpha or delta variant, according to previous meta-analyses and our analysis of studies that directly compared prevalence of olfactory dysfunction between omicron and previous variants. The profile of prevalence differences between ethnicities mirrors the results of a recent genome-wide association study that implicated a gene locus encoding an odorant-metabolizing enzyme, UDP glycosyltransferase, to be linked to the extent of COVID-related loss of smell. Our analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that this enzyme contributes to the observed population differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. von Bartheld
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557-0352, United States
| | - Lingchen Wang
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557-0275, United States
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9
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Levesque-Boissonneault C, Bussière N, Roy-Côté F, Cloutier F, Caty MÈ, Frasnelli J. A quick test to objectify smell and taste dysfunction at home: a proof of concept for the validation of the chemosensory perception test. Chem Senses 2023; 48:bjad033. [PMID: 37586396 PMCID: PMC10746307 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the efficacy of a home test for the self-evaluation of olfactory and gustatory functions in quarantined coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, testing was often limited to COVID-19 participants, and the accuracy of home test kits was rarely compared to standardized testing. This study aims at providing proof of concept for the validation of the new Chemosensory Perception Test (CPT) developed to remotely assess orthonasal olfactory, retronasal olfactory, and gustatory functions in various populations using common North American household items. In the 2 experiments, a total of 121 participants irrespective of having olfactory and/or gustatory complaints from various causes (COVID-19, sinunasal, post-viral, idiopathic) were tested first, with one or many of the following tests: (i) a brief chemosensory questionnaire, (ii) an olfactory test-Sniffin' Sticks Test (SST) or University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), and/or (iii) a gustatory test-Brief Waterless Empirical Taste Test (B-WETT). We then applied the CPT which yielded 3 different subscores, namely orthonasal, retronasal, and gustatory CPT scores. The orthonasal CPT score was significantly correlated with SST (ρ = 0.837, P < 0.001) and UPSIT (ρ = 0.364, P < 0.001) scores, and exhibited an excellent accuracy to identify olfactory dysfunction (OD) as compared to SST (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.923 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.822-1.000], P < 0.001). The retronasal CPT score but not the gustatory CPT score allowed to distinguish between participants with or without subjective gustatory complaint (AUC: 0.818 [95% CI, 0.726-0.909], P < 0.001). The CPT has the ability to identify OD and to quantify subjective gustatory complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Levesque-Boissonneault
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bussière
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Faculty of medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frédérique Roy-Côté
- Research Center of the Sacré-Cœur hospital, CIUSSS Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Frank Cloutier
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Caty
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Johannes Frasnelli
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Sacré-Cœur hospital, CIUSSS Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Hannum ME, Koch RJ, Ramirez VA, Marks SS, Toskala AK, Herriman RD, Lin C, Joseph PV, Reed DR. Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chem Senses 2023; 48:bjad043. [PMID: 38100383 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjad043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID-19 taste loss are genuine, in part because before COVID-19 taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 376 papers published in 2020-2021, with 235 meeting all inclusion criteria. Drawing on previous studies and guided by early meta-analyses, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct measures of taste are at least as sensitive as those obtained by self-report and that the preponderance of evidence confirms taste loss is a symptom of COVID-19. The meta-analysis showed that, among 138,015 COVID-19-positive patients, 36.62% reported taste dysfunction (95% confidence interval: 33.02%-40.39%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 15) versus self-report (n = 220) methodologies (Q = 1.73, df = 1, P = 0.1889). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females, and taste loss was highest among middle-aged adults. Thus, taste loss is likely a bona fide symptom of COVID-19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie E Hannum
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley J Koch
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Vicente A Ramirez
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95348, USA
| | - Sarah S Marks
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Aurora K Toskala
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley D Herriman
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Cailu Lin
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle R Reed
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
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Butowt R, Bilińska K, von Bartheld C. Why Does the Omicron Variant Largely Spare Olfactory Function? Implications for the Pathogenesis of Anosmia in Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1304-1308. [PMID: 35467743 PMCID: PMC9129133 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes much less olfactory dysfunction than the previous variants. There are several potential mechanisms for how omicron may change tissue tropism and spare olfactory function. The new mutations make omicron more hydrophobic and alkaline than previous variants, which may reduce penetration of the mucus layer. Overall, the new mutations minimally change receptor binding affinity, but entry efficiency into host cells is reduced in cells expressing transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Because the support cells in the olfactory epithelium abundantly express TMPRSS2, these main target cells in the olfactory epithelium may become infected less by the new omicron variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Butowt
- L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bilińska
- L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Christopher von Bartheld
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
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12
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Abdelazim AH. Effect of intra-nasal nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt in lowering elevated calcium cations and improving olfactory dysfunction in COVD-19 patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:4651. [PMID: 35809092 PMCID: PMC9282138 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07540-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Abdelazim
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City Cairo, 11751, Egypt.
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İslamoglu Y. Effect of intranasal nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt in lowering elevated calcium cations and improving olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:4649. [PMID: 35691978 PMCID: PMC9188912 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07482-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuce İslamoglu
- Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey.
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Tan BKJ, Han R, Zhao JJ, Tan NKW, Quah ESH, Tan CJW, Chan YH, Teo NWY, Charn TC, See A, Xu S, Chapurin N, Chandra RK, Chowdhury N, Butowt R, von Bartheld CS, Kumar BN, Hopkins C, Toh ST. Prognosis and persistence of smell and taste dysfunction in patients with covid-19: meta-analysis with parametric cure modelling of recovery curves. BMJ 2022; 378:e069503. [PMID: 35896188 PMCID: PMC9326326 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify in patients with covid-19 the recovery rate of smell and taste, proportion with persistent dysfunction of smell and taste, and prognostic factors associated with recovery of smell and taste. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and medRxiv from inception to 3 October 2021. REVIEW METHODS Two blinded reviewers selected observational studies of adults (≥18 years) with covid-19 related dysfunction of smell or taste. Descriptive prognosis studies with time-to-event curves and prognostic association studies of any prognostic factor were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers extracted data, evaluated study bias using QUIPS, and appraised evidence quality using GRADE, following PRISMA and MOOSE reporting guidelines. Using iterative numerical algorithms, time-to-event individual patient data (IPD) were reconstructed and pooled to retrieve distribution-free summary survival curves, with recovery rates reported at 30 day intervals for participants who remained alive. To estimate the proportion with persistent smell and taste dysfunction, cure fractions from Weibull non-mixture cure models of plateaued survival curves were logit transformed and pooled in a two stage meta-analysis. Conventional aggregate data meta-analysis was performed to explore unadjusted associations of prognostic factors with recovery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were the proportions of patients remaining with smell or taste dysfunction. Secondary outcomes were the odds ratios of prognostic variables associated with recovery of smell and taste. RESULTS 18 studies (3699 patients) from 4180 records were included in reconstructed IPD meta-analyses. Risk of bias was low to moderate; conclusions remained unaltered after exclusion of four high risk studies. Evidence quality was moderate to high. Based on parametric cure modelling, persistent self-reported smell and taste dysfunction could develop in an estimated 5.6% (95% confidence interval 2.7% to 11.0%, I2=70%, τ2=0.756, 95% prediction interval 0.7% to 33.5%) and 4.4% (1.2% to 14.6%, I2=67%, τ2=0.684, 95% prediction interval 0.0% to 49.0%) of patients, respectively. Sensitivity analyses suggest these could be underestimates. At 30, 60, 90, and 180 days, respectively, 74.1% (95% confidence interval 64.0% to 81.3%), 85.8% (77.6% to 90.9%), 90.0% (83.3% to 94.0%), and 95.7% (89.5% to 98.3%) of patients recovered their sense of smell (I2=0.0-77.2%, τ2=0.006-0.050) and 78.8% (70.5% to 84.7%), 87.7% (82.0% to 91.6%), 90.3% (83.5% to 94.3%), and 98.0% (92.2% to 95.5%) recovered their sense of taste (range of I2=0.0-72.1%, τ2=0.000-0.015). Women were less likely to recover their sense of smell (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.37 to 0.72, seven studies, I2=20%, τ2=0.0224) and taste (0.31, 0.13 to 0.72, seven studies, I2=78%, τ2=0.5121) than men, and patients with greater initial severity of dysfunction (0.48, 0.31 to 0.73, five studies, I2=10%, τ2<0.001) or nasal congestion (0.42, 0.18 to 0.97, three studies, I2=0%, τ2<0.001) were less likely to recover their sense of smell. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of patients with covid-19 might develop long lasting change in their sense of smell or taste. This could contribute to the growing burden of long covid. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021283922.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruobing Han
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joseph J Zhao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole Kye Wen Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emrick Sen Hui Quah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Claire Jing-Wen Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Neville Wei Yang Teo
- Surgery Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tze Choong Charn
- Surgery Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Anna See
- Surgery Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Shuhui Xu
- Surgery Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nikita Chapurin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rakesh K Chandra
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Naweed Chowdhury
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rafal Butowt
- Department of Molecular Cell Genetics, L Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - B Nirmal Kumar
- Wigan and Leigh Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, Wrightington, UK
- Edge Hill University Medical School, Orsmkirk, UK
| | - Claire Hopkins
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
- King's College, London, UK
| | - Song Tar Toh
- Surgery Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth, Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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15
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COVID-19 Induced Taste Dysfunction and Recovery: Association with Smell Dysfunction and Oral Health Behaviour. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58060715. [PMID: 35743978 PMCID: PMC9231283 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Disruption to taste and smell are common symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The current literature overlooks taste symptoms and tends to focus on the sense of smell. Persisting cases (>28 days) of taste dysfunction are increasingly recognised as a major future healthcare challenge. This study focuses on the severity and recovery of COVID-19 induced taste loss and association with olfactory symptoms, lifestyle and oral health factors. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey comparing 182 rapid taste recovery participants (≤28 days) with 47 participants with prolonged taste recovery >28 days. Analyses of taste loss in association with smell loss, age, sex, illness severity, diet, BMI, vitamin-D supplementation, antidepressants, alcohol use, smoking, brushing frequency, flossing, missing teeth, appliances and number of dental restorations were conducted. Differences in the severity of the loss of sour, sweet, salt, bitter and umami tastes were explored. Results: Both the severity and the duration of taste and smell loss were closely correlated (p < 0.001). Salt taste was significantly less affected than all other taste qualities (p < 0.001). Persisting taste loss was associated with older age (mean ± 95% CI = 31.73 ± 1.23 years vs. 36.66 ± 3.59 years, p < 0.001) and reduced likelihood of using floss (odds ratio ± 95% CI = 2.22 (1.15−4.25), p = 0.047). Conclusions: Smell and taste loss in COVID-19 are closely related, although a minority of individuals can experience taste or smell dysfunction in the absence of the other. The taste of salt may be less severely affected than other taste qualities and future work exploring this finding objectively is indicated. The association of flossing with rapid taste recovery adds to the growing evidence of a link between good periodontal health and favourable COVID-19 outcomes.
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16
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Töpfner N, Alberer M, Ankermann T, Bender S, Berner R, de Laffolie J, Dingemann J, Heinicke D, Haas JP, Hufnagel M, Hummel T, Huppertz HI, Knuf M, Kobbe R, Lücke T, Riedel J, Rosenecker J, Wölfle J, Schneider B, Schneider D, Schriever V, Schroeder A, Stojanov S, Tenenbaum T, Trapp S, Vilser D, Brinkmann F, Behrends U. [Recommendation for standardized medical care for children and adolescents with long COVID]. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2022; 170:539-547. [PMID: 35637934 PMCID: PMC9131710 DOI: 10.1007/s00112-021-01408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This current consensus paper for long COVID complements the existing AWMF S1 guidelines for long COVID with a detailed overview on the various clinical aspects of long COVID in children and adolescents. Members of 19 different pediatric societies of the DGKJ convent and collaborating societies together provide expert-based recommendations for the clinical management of long COVID based on the currently available but limited academic evidence for long COVID in children and adolescents. It contains screening questions for long COVID and suggestions for a structured, standardized pediatric medical history and diagnostic evaluation for patients with suspected long COVID. A time and resource-saving questionnaire, which takes the clinical complexity of long COVID into account, is offered via the DGKJ and DGPI websites as well as additional questionnaires suggested for an advanced screening of specific neurocognitive and/or psychiatric symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). According to the individual medical history as well as clinical signs and symptoms a step by step diagnostic procedure and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie e. V. (DGPI)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Martin Alberer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
| | | | - Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Pneumologie e. V. (GPP)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | | | - Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Gastroenterologie und Ernährung e. V. (GPGE)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinderchirurgie e. V. (DGKCH)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | - Bündnis Kinder- und Jugendreha e. V. (BKJR)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | - Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie (GKJR)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | | | - Deutsche Akademie für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DAKJ)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | - Gesellschaft für Neuropädiatrie e. V. (GNP)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sozialpädiatrie und Jugendmedizin (DGSPJ)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinderendokrinologie und -diabetologie e. V. (DGKED)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin e. V. (DGSM)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin e. V. (DGKJ)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | - Gesellschaft für Neuropsychologie (GNP)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | - Berufsverband der Kinder- und Jugendärzte e. V. (BVKJ)
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (AöR) der Technischen Universität München und München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Folke Brinkmann
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum gGmbH, Standort St. Josef-Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
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Persisting olfactory dysfunction in post-COVID-19 is associated with gustatory impairment: Results from chemosensitive testing eight months after the acute infection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265686. [PMID: 35320821 PMCID: PMC8942205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prominent symptoms of acute COVID-19. Although both senses recover in many patients within weeks to months, persistency has been described in up to 60%. However up to now most reports on the course of chemosensitive disorders after COVID-19 are not based on psychophysical testing but only on subjective patients' ratings. In this study we assessed both olfaction and gustation using psychophysical tests eight months after COVID-19. Validated psychophysical testing revealed hyposmia in 18% and hypogeusia in even 32% of 303 included patients. This shows that olfactory and especially gustatory disorders have to be seen as important chronic symptoms post-COVID-19. The high prevalence of gustatory dysfunction indicates that gustatory function does not recover or might even deteriorate in the months following the acute infection.
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18
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Trecca EM, Cassano M, Longo F, Petrone P, Miani C, Hummel T, Gelardi M. Results from psychophysical tests of smell and taste during the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review. ACTA OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICA ITALICA 2022; 42:S20-S35. [PMID: 35763272 PMCID: PMC9137382 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-suppl.1-42-2022-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Only a few studies have assessed smell and taste in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with psychophysical tests, while the majority performed self-rating evaluations. Given the heterogeneity of the published literature, the aim of this review was to systematically analyse the articles on this topic with a focus on psychophysical testing. A search on PubMed and Web of Science from December 2019, to November 2021, with cross-references, was executed. The main eligibility criteria were English-language articles, investigating the clinical features of olfaction and gustation in COVID-19 patients using self-rating assessment, psychophysical testing and imaging techniques. A total of 638 articles were identified and 66 were included. Self-rating assessment was performed in 31 studies, while psychophysical testing in 30 and imaging techniques in 5. The prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction was the most investigated topic, followed by the recovery time. About the psychophysical assessment, the extended version of the Sniffin’ Sticks was used in 11 articles and the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test in another 11. The olfactory threshold performance was the most impacted compared to the discrimination and identification capacities in accordance with the hypothesis of a tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for the olfactory mucosa. The timing significantly influenced the results of the psychophysical testing with 20% of patients presenting olfactory dysfunction at one month after infection.
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19
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Long-Term Subjective and Objective Assessment of Smell and Taste in COVID-19. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050788. [PMID: 35269410 PMCID: PMC8909596 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the first clinical symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is olfactory−gustatory deficit; this continues for weeks and, in some cases, can be persistent. We prospectively evaluated 162 patients affected by COVID-19 using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal and olfactory−gustatory symptoms. Patients were checked after 7, 14, 21, 28, 90, and 180 days. A total of 118 patients (72.8%) reported an olfactory VAS < 7 at baseline (group B), and 44 (27.2%) reported anosmia (VAS ≥ 7) (group A) and underwent the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) and Burghart Taste Strips (BTS) to quantify the deficit objectively and repeated the tests to confirm the sense recovery. Group A patients showed B-SIT anosmia and hyposmia in 44.2% and 55.8% of cases, respectively. A total of 88.6% of group A patients reported ageusia with VAS ≥ 7, and BTS confirmed 81.8% of ageusia and 18.2% of hypogeusia. VAS smell recovery was recorded starting from 14 days, with normalization at 28 days. The 28-day B-SIT score showed normosmia in 90.6% of group A patients. The mean time for full recovery (VAS = 0) was shorter in group B (22.9 days) than in group A (31.9 days). Chemosensory deficit is frequently the first symptom in patients with COVID-19, and, in most cases, recovery occurs after four weeks.
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20
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Hintschich CA, Brosig A, Hummel T, Andorfer KE, Wenzel JJ, Bohr C, Vielsmeier V. Gustatory Function in Acute
COVID
‐19 ‐ Results from
Home‐Based
Psychophysical Testing. Laryngoscope 2022; 132:1082-1087. [PMID: 35188975 PMCID: PMC9088467 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective Gustatory function during COVID‐19 is self‐reported by around 50% of patients. However, only a few studies assessed gustation using psychophysical testing during acute infection. The objective of this study is to test gustatory function on threshold tests in the very first days of COVID‐19. Methods Psychophysical testing consisted of validated and blinded tests for olfaction (NHANES Pocket Smell Test) and gustation (Taste Strips Test). These test kits were sent to home‐quarantined patients and self‐administered using a detailed instruction sheet. Results A total of 51 patients were included in this study. Testing was performed 6.5 ± 2.7 days after sampling of respiratory swabs. At this time 37% of patients stated to currently experience a gustatory impairment. The mean Taste Strips score was 10.0 ± 3.4 with 28% scoring in the range of hypogeusia. Interestingly, no significant difference in the results of gustatory testing could be observed between the group with subjectively preserved gustation and the group with self‐rated taste impairment. Conclusion During the very first days of COVID‐19, psychophysical gustatory testing revealed hypogeusia in 28%. This is far lower than patients' self‐reports. Different from previous studies, we did not find clear evidence for an impairment of only certain taste qualities. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1082–1087, 2022
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Brosig
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Regensburg University Hospital Regensburg Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology TU Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Kornelia E. Andorfer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Regensburg University Hospital Regensburg Germany
| | - Jürgen J. Wenzel
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene Regensburg University Hospital Regensburg Germany
| | - Christopher Bohr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Regensburg University Hospital Regensburg Germany
| | - Veronika Vielsmeier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Regensburg University Hospital Regensburg Germany
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21
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Hannum ME, Koch RJ, Ramirez VA, Marks SS, Toskala AK, Herriman RD, Lin C, Joseph PV, Reed DR. Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chem Senses 2022; 47:bjac001. [PMID: 35171979 PMCID: PMC8849313 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID-19 taste loss are genuine, in part because before COVID-19 taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 376 papers published in 2020-2021, with 241 meeting all inclusion criteria. Drawing on previous studies and guided by early meta-analyses, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct measures of taste are at least as sensitive as those obtained by self-report and that the preponderance of evidence confirms taste loss is a symptom of COVID-19. The meta-analysis showed that, among 138,897 COVID-19-positive patients, 39.2% reported taste dysfunction (95% confidence interval: 35.34%-43.12%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 18) versus self-report (n = 223) methodologies (Q = 0.57, df = 1, P = 0.45). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females, and taste loss was highest among middle-aged adults. Thus, taste loss is likely a bona fide symptom of COVID-19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie E Hannum
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley J Koch
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Vicente A Ramirez
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95348, USA
| | - Sarah S Marks
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Aurora K Toskala
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Riley D Herriman
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Cailu Lin
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle R Reed
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
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22
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Abstract
Approximately 5% of the general population is affected by functional anosmia with approximately additional 15% exhibiting decreased olfactory function. Many of these individuals ask for help. Because the subjective rating of olfactory function is biased, assessment of olfactory function is important. Olfactory measurements are needed for patient counseling and the tracking of changes in the sense of smell over time. The present review provides an overview of frequently used psychophysical tests for olfactory function, discusses differences between threshold and suprathreshold aspects of olfactory function, and gives examples on how to apply psychophysical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste Clinic, "Technische Universität Dresden", Dresden, Germany
| | - Dino Podlesek
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Technische Universität Dresden", Dresden, Germany
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