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Sharetts R, Moein ST, Khan R, Doty RL. Long-Term Taste and Smell Outcomes After COVID-19. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e247818. [PMID: 38652477 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.7818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Self-report surveys suggest that long-lasting taste deficits may occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection, influencing nutrition, safety, and quality of life. However, self-reports of taste dysfunction are inaccurate, commonly reflecting deficits due to olfactory not taste system pathology; hence, quantitative testing is needed to verify the association of post-COVID-19 condition with taste function. Objective To use well-validated self-administered psychophysical tests to investigate the association of COVID-19 with long-term outcomes in taste and smell function. Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide cross-sectional study included individuals with and without a prior history of COVID-19 recruited from February 2020 to August 2023 from a social media website (Reddit) and bulletin board advertisements. In the COVID-19 cohort, there was a mean of 395 days (95% CI, 363-425 days) between diagnosis and testing. Exposure History of COVID-19. Main Outcomes and Measures The 53-item Waterless Empirical Taste Test (WETT) and 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) were used to assess taste and smell function. Total WETT and UPSIT scores and WETT subtest scores of sucrose, citric acid, sodium chloride, caffeine, and monosodium glutamate were assessed for groups with and without a COVID-19 history. The association of COVID-19 with taste and smell outcomes was assessed using analysis of covariance, χ2, and Fisher exact probability tests. Results Tests were completed by 340 individuals with prior COVID-19 (128 males [37.6%] and 212 females [62.4%]; mean [SD] age, 39.04 [14.35] years) and 434 individuals with no such history (154 males [35.5%] and 280 females [64.5%]; mean (SD) age, 39.99 [15.61] years). Taste scores did not differ between individuals with and without previous COVID-19 (total WETT age- and sex-adjusted mean score, 33.41 [95% CI, 32.37-34.45] vs 33.46 [95% CI, 32.54-34.38]; P = .94). In contrast, UPSIT scores were lower in the group with previous COVID-19 than the group without previous COVID-19 (mean score, 34.39 [95% CI, 33.86-34.92] vs 35.86 [95% CI, 35.39-36.33]; P < .001]); 103 individuals with prior COVID-19 (30.3%) and 91 individuals without prior COVID-19 (21.0%) had some degree of dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.18-2.27]). The SARS-CoV-2 variant present at the time of infection was associated with smell outcomes; individuals with original untyped and Alpha variant infections exhibited more loss than those with other variant infections; for example, total to severe loss occurred in 10 of 42 individuals with Alpha variant infections (23.8%) and 7 of 52 individuals with original variant infections (13.5%) compared with 12 of 434 individuals with no COVID-19 history (2.8%) (P < .001 for all). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, taste dysfunction as measured objectively was absent 1 year after exposure to COVID-19 while some smell loss remained in nearly one-third of individuals with this exposure, likely explaining taste complaints of many individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. Infection with earlier untyped and Alpha variants was associated with the greatest degree of smell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Sharetts
- Smell and Taste Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Research and Development Division, Sensonics International, Haddon Heights, New Jersey
| | - Shima T Moein
- Smell and Taste Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Research and Development Division, Sensonics International, Haddon Heights, New Jersey
| | - Rafa Khan
- Smell and Taste Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Richard L Doty
- Smell and Taste Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Kasim MF, Abbas AM. Evaluation of Olfactory Dysfunction Among COVID-19 Patients in Baghdad, Iraq. Cureus 2024; 16:e53721. [PMID: 38455837 PMCID: PMC10919444 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) causes olfactory dysfunction which is characterized by anosmia or hyposmia. Characterization of olfactory dysfunction has added value to the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Nevertheless, scarce information exists about COVID-19 patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction in Iraq. This study aimed to identify olfactory dysfunction (anosmia or hyposmia) in Iraqi COVID-19 patients and examine their response to smell exercise at Baghdad Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. Methodology This case series prospective study involving 300 patients (160 males and 140 females) with COVID-19 infection was conducted from June 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021. We recorded signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among patients by examining olfactory dysfunction, n-butanol olfaction test, and smell test exercise. Results Anosmia and hyposmia were found in 69.3% and 30.7% of the patients, respectively; of these, 65.7% were of sudden onset. The association between olfactory dysfunction and smoking was not significant. The most frequent signs and symptoms of COVID-19 were fatigue, fever, loss of taste, myalgia, headache, sore throat, cough, depressed appetite, dyspnea, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The highest frequencies of occurrence of anosmia (30.7%) and hyposmia (13.3%) were in the age group of 31-40 years. The majority (47.7%) of patients with olfactory dysfunction recovered within one month of COVID-19 onset. The rest of the patients recovered within one month to 16 months. The most commonly encountered ear, nose, and throat symptoms were nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and facial/ear pain. The percentages of patients with anosmia and hyposmia recovering with smell exercise were significant at 64.7% and 25.3%, respectively. Conclusions The prognosis of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients was good as most cases recovered within a short period with concomitant smell exercise. Olfactory dysfunction in the majority of COVID-19 patients was self-limiting in young age groups, albeit in association with the non-severity of the disease. Being an important public health issue, examining olfactory dysfunction aspects should be considered in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment protocols of COVID-19 patients. In-depth exploration is needed to examine olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients suffering from severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azzam M Abbas
- Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad and Martyr Ghazi Al-Hariri Teaching Hospital, Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad, IRQ
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Murphy C, Dalton P, Boateng K, Hunter S, Silberman P, Trachtman J, Schrandt S, Naimi B, Garvey E, Joseph PV, Frank C, Albertazzi A, Nyquist G, Rawson NE. Integrating the patient's voice into the research agenda for treatment of chemosensory disorders. Chem Senses 2024; 49:bjae020. [PMID: 38761171 PMCID: PMC11154145 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjae020] [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: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
World-wide some 658 million people were infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and millions suffer from chemosensory impairment associated with long COVID. Current treatments for taste and smell disorders are limited. Involving patients has the potential to catalyze the dynamic exchange and development of new ideas and approaches to facilitate biomedical research and therapeutics. We assessed patients' perceptions of the efficacy of treatments for chemosensory impairment using an online questionnaire completed by 5,815 people in the US Logistic regression determined variables predictive of reported treatment efficacy for patients aged 18 to 24, 25 to 39, 40 to 60, and 60+ yrs. who were treated with nasal steroids, oral steroids, zinc, nasal rinse, smell training, theophylline, platelet-rich plasma, and Omega 3. The most consistent predictor was age, with the majority of those 40 to 60 and 60+ reporting that nasal steroids, oral steroids, zinc, nasal rinse, and smell training were only slightly effective or not effective at all. Many of these treatment strategies target regeneration and immune response, processes compromised by age. Only those under 40 reported more than slight efficacy of steroids or smell training. Findings emphasize the need to include patients of all ages in clinical trials. Older adults with olfactory impairment are at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We speculate that olfactory impairment associated with long COVID introduces the potential for a significant rise in AD. Long COVID-associated chemosensory impairment increases the urgency for translational and clinical research on novel treatment strategies. Suggestions for high-priority areas for epidemiological, basic, and clinical research on chemosensory impairment follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Murphy
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Pamela Dalton
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, A, United States
| | - Katie Boateng
- The Smell and Taste Association of North America, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Pamela Silberman
- The Smell and Taste Association of North America, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Bita Naimi
- Department of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emily Garvey
- Department of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism and National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Conner Frank
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Abigail Albertazzi
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gurston Nyquist
- Department of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nancy E Rawson
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Ceravolo MG, Anwar F, Andrenelli E, Udensi C, Qureshi J, Sivan M, Kiekens C, Zampolini M. Evidence-based position paper on physical and rehabilitation medicine professional practice for persons with COVID-19, including post COVID-19 condition: the European PRM position (UEMS PRM Section). Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2023; 59:789-799. [PMID: 38214046 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.23.08315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Although multiple factors still pose challenges to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation for survivors of COVID-19, rehabilitation plays a key role for this patient population. This study aimed to improve Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physician's professional practice for persons with COVID-19-related functioning limitations, to promote functional recovery and reduce activity limitations and/or participation restrictions. A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed from December 2019 to August 2022, followed by production of recommendations through 5 Delphi rounds, by consensus among the delegates of all European countries represented in the Union of European Medical Specialists PRM Section. The systematic literature review is reported together with thirty-two recommendations resulting from the Delphi procedure. The PRM physician's role for persons with COVID-19-related limitations of functioning is to develop, foster, and monitor the implementation of an individual rehabilitation project tailored to the patient's age, previous medical and functional status, current comorbidities and complications, activity limitations and participation restrictions and personal and environmental factors. This is done by applying the concept of a multi-specialty integrated service model with multi-professional/interdisciplinary teams, providing care at all stages of COVID-19 illness. This evidence-based position paper represents the official position of the European Union through the UEMS PRM Section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Ceravolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Politecnica delle Marche University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fahim Anwar
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elisa Andrenelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Politecnica delle Marche University, Ancona, Italy -
| | - Cynthia Udensi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jawaria Qureshi
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds General Infirmary, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Mauro Zampolini
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hospital of Foligno, USL Umbria2, Perugia, Italy
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Jung T, Choi BY, Jang M, Kim T, Seo E, Kim JK. Comparative Analysis of Olfactory and Gustatory Function of Patients With COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction and Non-COVID-19 Postinfectious Olfactory Dysfunction. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e352. [PMID: 37935167 PMCID: PMC10627727 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to have a high incidence of loss of smell and taste. However, studies in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have evaluated these symptoms using subjective surveys and simple olfactory tests only. Hence, we compared the olfactory and gustatory characteristics of patient groups with COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction (C19OD) and non-COVID-19 postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD) using an objective olfactory test and evaluated the significance of olfactory training in both patient groups. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 14 patients with a decreased sense of smell after having positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction results, and 56 patients with PIOD with no history of confirmed COVID-19. Participants were evaluated using the Korean version of the Sniffin' stick (KVSS) II, and chemical gustometry and olfactory training was assessed during their first visit. Olfactory training was then re-evaluated after an average of 8 (± 6) weeks. RESULTS The average age of participants in the C19OD group was lower than in those in the non-COVID-19 PIOD group. The proportion of men in the C19OD group was higher than in the non-COVID-19 PIOD group. At baseline assessment, the C19OD group had better olfactory and gustatory functions. After olfactory training, the non-COVID-19 PIOD patient group showed a significant increase in all KVSS II Total, T, D, and I scores, but there was a non-significant increase in all scores in the C19OD group. CONCLUSION The C19OD group had better olfactory and gustatory function than the non-COVID-19 PIOD group at the initial assessment. After olfactory training, there was an increase in olfactory function test scores in both groups. Olfactory training may be helpful in C19OD, as in non-COVID-19 PIOD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taesik Jung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Yoon Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minho Jang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Taehee Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - EunHye Seo
- Korea mRNA Vaccine Initiative, Gachon University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin Kook Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Rass V, Tymoszuk P, Sahanic S, Heim B, Ausserhofer D, Lindner A, Kofler M, Mahlknecht P, Boehm A, Hüfner K, Pizzini A, Sonnweber T, Kurz K, Pfeifer B, Kiechl S, Peball M, Kindl P, Putnina L, Fava E, Djamshidian A, Huber A, Wiedermann CJ, Sperner-Unterweger B, Wöll E, Beer R, Schiefecker AJ, Bellmann-Weiler R, Bachler H, Tancevski I, Pfausler B, Piccoliori G, Seppi K, Weiss G, Löffler-Ragg J, Helbok R. Distinct smell and taste disorder phenotype of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:5115-5128. [PMID: 37670171 PMCID: PMC10562286 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Olfactory dysfunction (OD) commonly accompanies coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated the kinetics of OD resolution following SARS-CoV-2 infection (wild-type and alpha variant) and its impact on quality of life, physical and mental health. METHODS OD prevalence was assessed in an ambulatory COVID-19 survey (n = 906, ≥ 90 days follow-up) and an observational cohort of ambulatory and hospitalized individuals (n = 108, 360 days follow-up). Co-occurrence of OD with other symptoms and effects on quality of life, physical and mental health were analyzed by multi-dimensional scaling, association rule mining and semi-supervised clustering. RESULTS Both in the ambulatory COVID-19 survey study (72%) and the observational ambulatory and hospitalized cohort (41%) self-reported OD was frequent during acute COVID-19. Recovery from self-reported OD was slow (survey: median 28 days, observational cohort: 90 days). By clustering of the survey data, we identified a predominantly young, female, comorbidity-free group of convalescents with persistent OD and taste disorders (median recovery: 90 days) but low frequency of post-acute fatigue, respiratory or neurocognitive symptoms. This smell and taste disorder cluster was characterized by a high rating of physical performance, mental health, and quality of life as compared with convalescents affected by prolonged fatigue or neurocognitive complaints. CONCLUSION Our results underline the heterogeneity of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae calling for tailored management strategies. The persistent smell and taste disorder phenotype is characterized by good clinical, physical, and mental recovery and may pose a minor challenge for public health. STUDY REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04661462 (survey study), NCT04416100 (observational cohort).
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Rass
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Sabina Sahanic
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatrice Heim
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dietmar Ausserhofer
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Lindner
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Mahlknecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Boehm
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alex Pizzini
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Sonnweber
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Pfeifer
- Tyrolean Federal Institute for Integrated Care, Innsbruck, Austria
- Division for Health Networking and Telehealth, Biomedical Informatics and Mechatronics, UMIT, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marina Peball
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Kindl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lauma Putnina
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elena Fava
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Atbin Djamshidian
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Huber
- Tyrolean Federal Institute for Integrated Care, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian J Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Sperner-Unterweger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ewald Wöll
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vinzenz Hospital, Zams, Austria
| | - Ronny Beer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Rosa Bellmann-Weiler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Bachler
- Institute of General Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ivan Tancevski
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Pfausler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giuliano Piccoliori
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Judith Löffler-Ragg
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria.
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Tuz‐Hrycyna N, Rzepakowska A, Niemczyk K. Reliability and validity of the Polish version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2023; 8:799-807. [PMID: 37621288 PMCID: PMC10446256 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1087] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The comprehensive counseling of patients with olfactory dysfunctions requires accurate diagnosis. The recommendations include subjective assessment. The Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) is a disease-specific questionnaire for the subjective evaluation of olfactory dysfunctions. Material The study included 54 patients with olfactory dysfunctions, who were recruited to the study group (SG). The other 47 patients without the history of olfactory dysfunction and nasal cavity pathology were voluntarily allocated to the control group (CG). The protocol of the study was introduced to each patient and included: olfactory testing with Sniffin' Stick test, fulfillment of the Polish version of World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire and completing of the Polish version of the QOD. All participants (101) were invited for refilling the QOD questionnaire after 2 weeks for the test-retest statistics. Results The Polish QOD statements were significantly correlated and met the requirement by having test-retest correlation larger than 0.7. We found that internal consistency of the test measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient was very high. The mean scores of the QOD test in normosmic SG patients were compared with corresponding scores in normosmic CG patients using U Mann-Whitney test. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences on mean QOD scores for each domains except QOD-S between both groups. Conclusions The Polish version of the QOD demonstrated high rate of the validity and the reliability. This instrument may be widely used in research projects and clinical practice concerning olfactory disorders in Polish patients. Level of Evidence NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tuz‐Hrycyna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - Anna Rzepakowska
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - Kazimierz Niemczyk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
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Toomre D, Kandula S, Shaman J. Longitudinal Association of COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death with Online Search for Loss of Smell or Taste. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1711-1713. [PMID: 37486228 PMCID: PMC10370832 DOI: 10.3201/eid2908.230071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of COVID-19 is challenging but critical for mitigating disease, particularly if predictive of future disease burden. We report a robust multiyear lead-lag association between internet search activity for loss of smell or taste and COVID-19-associated hospitalization and deaths. These search data could help predict COVID-19 surges.
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Mooses K, Vesilind K, Oja M, Tamm S, Haug M, Kalda R, Suija K, Tisler A, Meister T, Malk M, Uusküla A, Kolde R. The use of prescription drugs and health care services during the 6-month post-COVID-19 period. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11638. [PMID: 37468497 PMCID: PMC10356787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38691-9] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 and other acute respiratory viruses can have a long-term impact on health. We aimed to assess the common features and differences in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 compared with other non-chronic respiratory infections (RESP) using population-based electronic health data. We applied the self-controlled case series method where prescription drugs and health care utilisation were used as indicators of health outcomes during the six-month-long post-acute period. The incidence rate ratios of COVID-19 and RESP groups were compared. The analysis included 146 314 individuals. Out of 5452 drugs analysed, 14 had increased administration after COVID-19 with drugs for cardiovascular diseases (trimetazidine, metoprolol, rosuvastatin) and psychotropic drugs (alprazolam, zolpidem, melatonin) being most prevalent. The health impact of COVID-19 was more apparent among females and individuals with non-severe COVID-19. The increased risk of exacerbating pre-existing conditions was observed for the COVID-19 group. COVID-19 vaccination did not have effect on drug prescriptions but lowered the health care utilisation during post-acute period. Compared with RESP, COVID-19 increased the use of outpatient services during the post-infection period. The long-term negative impact of COVID-19 on life quality must be acknowledged, and supportive health care and public health services provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerli Mooses
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Kaarel Vesilind
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marek Oja
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sirli Tamm
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Markus Haug
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ruth Kalda
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadri Suija
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anna Tisler
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tatjana Meister
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maria Malk
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anneli Uusküla
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Raivo Kolde
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Reiss AB, Greene C, Dayaramani C, Rauchman SH, Stecker MM, De Leon J, Pinkhasov A. Long COVID, the Brain, Nerves, and Cognitive Function. Neurol Int 2023; 15:821-841. [PMID: 37489358 PMCID: PMC10366776 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA coronavirus, causes an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Long-term complications are an increasing issue in patients who have been infected with COVID-19 and may be a result of viral-associated systemic and central nervous system inflammation or may arise from a virus-induced hypercoagulable state. COVID-19 may incite changes in brain function with a wide range of lingering symptoms. Patients often experience fatigue and may note brain fog, sensorimotor symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Prolonged neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent and can interfere substantially in everyday life, leading to a massive public health concern. The mechanistic pathways by which SARS-CoV-2 infection causes neurological sequelae are an important subject of ongoing research. Inflammation- induced blood-brain barrier permeability or viral neuro-invasion and direct nerve damage may be involved. Though the mechanisms are uncertain, the resulting symptoms have been documented from numerous patient reports and studies. This review examines the constellation and spectrum of nervous system symptoms seen in long COVID and incorporates information on the prevalence of these symptoms, contributing factors, and typical course. Although treatment options are generally lacking, potential therapeutic approaches for alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | - Caitriona Greene
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | - Christopher Dayaramani
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | | | | | - Joshua De Leon
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
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11
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Rabady S, Hoffmann K, Aigner M, Altenberger J, Brose M, Costa U, Denk-Linnert DM, Gruber S, Götzinger F, Helbok R, Hüfner K, Koczulla R, Kurz K, Lamprecht B, Leis S, Löffler J, Müller CA, Rittmannsberger H, Rommer PS, Sator P, Strenger V, Struhal W, Untersmayr E, Vonbank K, Wancata J, Weber T, Wendler M, Zwick RH. [S1 guidelines for the management of postviral conditions using the example of post-COVID-19]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:525-598. [PMID: 37555900 PMCID: PMC10504206 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
These S1 guidelines are an updated and expanded version of the S1 guidelines on long COVID differential diagnostic and management strategies. They summarize the state of knowledge on postviral conditions like long/post COVID at the time of writing. Due to the dynamic nature of knowledge development, they are intended to be "living guidelines". The focus is on practical applicability at the level of primary care, which is understood to be the appropriate place for initial access and for primary care and treatment. The guidelines provide recommendations on the course of treatment, differential diagnostics of the most common symptoms that can result from infections like with SARS-CoV-2, treatment options, patient management and care, reintegration and rehabilitation. The guidelines have been developed through an interdisciplinary and interprofessional process and provide recommendations on interfaces and possibilities for collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Rabady
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich.
| | - Kathryn Hoffmann
- Leiterin der Abteilung Primary Care Medicine, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Martin Aigner
- Abteilung für Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Johann Altenberger
- Pensionsversicherungsanstalt, Rehabilitationszentrum Großgmain, Salzburger Str. 520, 5084, Großgmain, Österreich
| | - Markus Brose
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Ursula Costa
- Ergotherapie und Handlungswissenschaft, fhg - Zentrum für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH/fh, Innrain 98, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Doris-Maria Denk-Linnert
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Klin. Abteilung Phoniatrie-Logopädie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Samuel Gruber
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Florian Götzinger
- Abteilung für Kinderheilkunde, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstr. 37, 1160, Wien, Österreich
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Standort Neuromed Campus & Med Campus Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Dep. für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Rembert Koczulla
- Fachbereich Medizin, Klinik für Pneumologie Marburg, Baldingerstr., 35035, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Bernd Lamprecht
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Stefan Leis
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie der PMU, MME Universitätsklinikum Salzburg Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020, Salzburg, Österreich
| | - Judith Löffler
- Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Christian A Müller
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Klin. Abteilung für Allgemeine HNO, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | | | - Paulus S Rommer
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Paul Sator
- Dermatologische Abteilung, Klinik Hietzing, Wolkersbergenstr. 1, 1130, Wien, Österreich
| | - Volker Strenger
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeinpädiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Medizinische Universität Graz, 8036, Graz, Österreich
| | - Walter Struhal
- Klinische Abteilung für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Tulln, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Alter Ziegelweg 10, 3430, Tulln an der Donau, Österreich
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institut für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung Zentrum für Pathophysiologie, Infektiologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Karin Vonbank
- Klinische Abteilung für Pulmologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Johannes Wancata
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Thomas Weber
- Kardiologische Abteilung Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchnerstr. 42, 4600, Wels, Österreich
| | | | - Ralf-Harun Zwick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Kurbadstr. 14, 1100, Wien, Österreich
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12
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Espetvedt A, Wiig S, Myrnes-Hansen KV, Brønnick KK. The assessment of qualitative olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review of tools and their content validity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1190994. [PMID: 37408960 PMCID: PMC10319418 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1190994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a lack of overview of the tools used to assess qualitative olfactory dysfunction, including parosmia and phantosmia, following COVID-19 illness. This could have an impact on the diagnosis and treatment offered to patients. Additionally, the formulations of symptoms are inconsistent and often unclear, and consensus around the wording of questions and responses is needed. Aim of study The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of tools used to assess qualitative olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19, in addition to addressing the content validity (i.e., item and response formulations) of these tools. Methods MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched 5th of August 2022 and updated on the 25th of April 2023 to identify studies that assess qualitative olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. Primary outcomes were the tool used (i.e., questionnaire or objective test) and item and response formulations. Secondary outcomes included psychometric properties, study design, and demographic variables. Results The assessment of qualitative olfactory dysfunction is characterized by heterogeneity, inconsistency, and lack of validated tools to determine the presence and degree of symptoms. Several tools with overlapping and distinct features were identified in this review, of which some were thorough and detailed, while others were merely assessing the presence of symptoms as a binary measure. Item and response formulations are also inconsistent and often used interchangeably, which may lead to confusion, incorrect diagnoses, and inappropriate methods for solving the problem. Conclusions There is an unmet need for a reliable and validated tool for assessing qualitative olfactory dysfunction, preferably one that also captures quantitative olfactory issues (i.e., loss of smell), to ensure time-effective and specific assessment of the ability to smell. A consensus around the formulation of items and response options is also important to increase the understanding of the problem, both for clinicians, researchers, and the patient, and ultimately to provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Registration and protocol The URL is https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=351621. A preregistered protocol was submitted and accepted (12.09.22) in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with the registration number CRD42022351621.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelin Espetvedt
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- SHARE–Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- The Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Siri Wiig
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- SHARE–Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kai Victor Myrnes-Hansen
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- The Norwegian School of Hotel Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kolbjørn Kallesten Brønnick
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- The Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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13
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Winter AL, Henecke S, Lundström JN, Thunell E. Impairment of quality of life due to COVID-19-induced long-term olfactory dysfunction. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1165911. [PMID: 37151341 PMCID: PMC10157159 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Olfactory dysfunction is one of many long-lasting symptoms associated with COVID-19, estimated to affect approximately 60% of individuals and often lasting several months after infection. The associated daily life problems can cause a decreased quality of life. Methods Here, we assessed the association between perceived quality of life and both qualitative and quantitative olfactory function (distorted and weakened sense of smell, respectively) in 58 individuals who had undergone confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and who complained about olfactory dysfunction. Results Participants with large quantitative olfactory dysfunction experienced a greater reduction in their quality of life. Moreover, our participants had a high prevalence of qualitative olfactory dysfunction (81%) with a significant correlation between qualitative olfactory dysfunction and daily life impairment. Strong drivers of low quality of life assessments were lack of enjoyment of food as well as worries related to coping with long-term dysfunctions. Discussion These results stress the clinical importance of assessing qualitative olfactory dysfunction and the need to develop relevant interventions. Given the poor self-rated quality of life observed, healthcare systems should consider developing support structures, dietary advice, and guidelines adapted to individuals experiencing qualitative olfactory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja L. Winter
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofie Henecke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan N. Lundström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evelina Thunell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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14
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Winkelmann S, Korth A, Voss B, Nasr MA, Behrend N, Pudszuhn A, Hofmann VM, Schendzielorz P, Maetzler C, Hermes A, Borzikowsky C, Bahmer T, Lieb W, Schreiber S, Stork S, Montellano FA, Witzenrath M, Keil T, Krawczak M, Laudien M, On Behalf Of The Napkon Study Group NSG. Persisting chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 - a cross-sectional population-based survey. Rhinology 2023; 61:12-23. [PMID: 36323438 DOI: 10.4193/rhin22.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemosensory dysfunction (CD) has been reported as a common symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it is not well understood whether and for how long changes of smell, taste and chemesthesis persist in infected individuals. METHODOLOGY Unselected adult residents of the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were invited to participate in this large cross-sectional study. Data on the medical history and subjective chemosensory function of participants were obtained through questionnaires and visual analogue scales (VAS). Olfactory function (OF) was objectified with the Sniffin Sticks test (SST), including threshold (T), discrimination (D) and identification (I) test as well as summarized TDI score, and compared to that in healthy controls. Gustatory function (GF) was evaluated with the suprathreshold taste strips (TS) test, and trigeminal function was tested with an ampoule containing ammonia. RESULTS Between November 2020 and June 2021, 667 infected individuals (mean age: 48.2 years) were examined 9.1 months, on average, after positive PCR testing. Of these, 45.6% had persisting subjective olfactory dysfunction (OD), 36.2% had subjective gustatory dysfunction (GD). Tested OD, tested GD and impaired trigeminal function were observed in 34.6%, 7.3% and 1.8% of participants, respectively. The mean TDI score of participants was significantly lower compared to healthy subjects. Significant associations were observed between subjective OD and GD, and between tested OD and GD. CONCLUSION Nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, OD prevalence is significantly increased among infected members of the general population. Therefore, OD should be included in the list of symptoms collectively defining Long-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Winkelmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - A Korth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - B Voss
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - M A Nasr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - N Behrend
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - A Pudszuhn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charity-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitat Berlin, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - V M Hofmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charity-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitat Berlin, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Schendzielorz
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery and the Comprehensive Hearing Center, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - C Maetzler
- Neurology Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - A Hermes
- Institute of Epidemiology, Kiel University, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - C Borzikowsky
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - T Bahmer
- Division of Pneumology, Department of Medicine 1, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - W Lieb
- Institute of Epidemiology, Kiel University, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - S Schreiber
- Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - S Stork
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center and Dept. Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - F A Montellano
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center and Dept. Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - M Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charity - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitat Berlin and Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - T Keil
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charity-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - M Laudien
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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15
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Molnár A, Maihoub S, Mavrogeni P, Krasznai M, Tamás L, Kraxner H. The Correlation between the Results of the Sniffin' Sticks Test, Demographic Data, and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders in a Hungarian Population after a SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031041. [PMID: 36769688 PMCID: PMC9917422 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, smell disorders frequently occur, significantly affecting patients' quality of life (QoL). METHODS 110 patients with persistent olfactory disorder after coronavirus infection were enrolled. These patients underwent chemosensory testing using the Sniffin' Sticks test, and completed the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD). RESULTS 30% of the patients reported anosmia, and 70% reported hyposmia. Upon comparing subjective and chemosensory testing categories, good category matching was observed in 75.3% (i.e., anosmia based on both methods in 10 and hyposmia in 48 cases). Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test revealed a significant result (p = 0.001 *). Between the TDI (i.e., Threshold, Discrimination, Identification) results of the three subjective report groups (i.e., hyposmia, anosmia, and parosmia), no significant differences were observed. When the TDI and QOD results were compared, no consistent significant correlations were found in most TDI and QOD outcomes. Between the TDI and Scale 2 results, a significant, although slight correlation was observed by the Spearman's (rho = 0.213, p = 0.027 *) and Pearson's (rho = 0.201, p = 0.037 *) tests. CONCLUSIONS The nonsignificant correlation between objective and subjective methods suggests that these results should be interpreted independently. Moreover, adequate management is essential even in mild cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Molnár
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szigony u. 36, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefani Maihoub
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szigony u. 36, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Panayiota Mavrogeni
- Tóth Ilona Health Service Clinical Medical Institute, Görgey Artúr tér 8, 1212 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Magdolna Krasznai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szigony u. 36, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Tamás
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szigony u. 36, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Voice, Speech and Swallowing Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Vas u. 17, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Helga Kraxner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szigony u. 36, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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16
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Liao B, Deng YK, Zeng M, Liu Z. Long-term Consequences of COVID-19: Chemosensory Disorders. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023; 23:111-119. [PMID: 36574210 PMCID: PMC9792936 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-022-01062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A number of sequelae after acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) significantly affect the quality of life of patients. The chemosensory disorders including olfactory dysfunction (OD) and gustatory dysfunction (GD) are two of the commonest symptoms complained by patients with COVID-19. Although chemosensory function has been reported improved in over 60% of COVID-19 patients in a short time after acute infection, it may last as a major symptom for patients with long COVID-19. This narrative review discussed current literatures on OD and GD in long COVID-19 including the prevalence, risk factors, possible mechanisms, and potential therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Although the prevalence of OD and GD has declined continuously after acute COVID-19, a considerable number of patients had persistent chemosensory disorders 3 months to 2 years after symptom onset. Female gender, initial severity of dysfunction, nasal congestion, emotional distress and depression, and SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified as risk factors for persistent OD and GD in long COVID-19. The pathogenesis of OD and GD in long COVID-19 remains unknown, but may be analogous to the persistent OD and GD post common respiratory viral infection. Corticosteroids and olfactory training might be a potential choice regarding the treatment of lasting OD and GD after SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, more studies are needed to prove it. OD and GD are common long-term consequences of COVID-19 and influenced by gender, initial severity of dysfunction, emotional distress and depression, and SARS-CoV-2 variants. More studies are needed to illustrate their pathogenesis and to establish therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China ,Insititue of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China ,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ke Deng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China ,Insititue of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China ,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Insititue of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China. .,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Insititue of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China. .,Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Hogberg HT, Lam A, Ohayon E, Shahbaz MA, Clerbaux LA, Bal-Price A, Coecke S, Concha R, De Bernardi F, Edrosa E, Hargreaves AJ, Kanninen KM, Munoz A, Pistollato F, Saravanan S, Garcia-Reyero N, Wittwehr C, Sachana M. The Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework Applied to Neurological Symptoms of COVID-19. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213411. [PMID: 36359807 PMCID: PMC9658029 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several reports have shown that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to also be neurotropic. However, the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 induces neurologic injury, including neurological and/or psychological symptoms, remain unclear. In this review, the available knowledge on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19 was organized using the AOP framework. Four AOPs leading to neurological adverse outcomes (AO), anosmia, encephalitis, stroke, and seizure, were developed. Biological key events (KEs) identified to induce these AOs included binding to ACE2, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, hypoxia, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. The modularity of AOPs allows the construction of AOP networks to visualize core pathways and recognize neuroinflammation and BBB disruption as shared mechanisms. Furthermore, the impact on the neurological AOPs of COVID-19 by modulating and multiscale factors such as age, psychological stress, nutrition, poverty, and food insecurity was discussed. Organizing the existing knowledge along an AOP framework can represent a valuable tool to understand disease mechanisms and identify data gaps and potentially contribute to treatment, and prevention. This AOP-aligned approach also facilitates synergy between experts from different backgrounds, while the fast-evolving and disruptive nature of COVID-19 emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity and cross-community research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena T. Hogberg
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27518, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence: (H.T.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Ann Lam
- Green Neuroscience Laboratory, Neurolinx Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Elan Ohayon
- Green Neuroscience Laboratory, Neurolinx Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Institute for Green & Open Sciences, Toronto, ON M6J 2J4, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ali Shahbaz
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Rachel Concha
- Green Neuroscience Laboratory, Neurolinx Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Francesca De Bernardi
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Biotechnologies and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Eizleayne Edrosa
- Green Neuroscience Laboratory, Neurolinx Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Alan J. Hargreaves
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Katja M. Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Amalia Munoz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | | | - Surat Saravanan
- Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems Atal Incubation Centre-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500039, India
| | - Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA
| | - Clemens Wittwehr
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment Directorate, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 75016 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (H.T.H.); (M.S.)
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18
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Schambeck SE, Mateyka LM, Burrell T, Graf N, Brill I, Stark T, Protzer U, Busch DH, Gerhard M, Riehl H, Poppert H. Two-Year Follow-Up on Chemosensory Dysfunction and Adaptive Immune Response after Infection with SARS-CoV-2 in a Cohort of 44 Healthcare Workers. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1556. [PMID: 36294991 PMCID: PMC9605261 DOI: 10.3390/life12101556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent chemosensory dysfunction (PCD) is a common symptom of long-COVID. Chemosensory dysfunction (CD) as well as SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels and CD8+ T-cell immunity were investigated in a cohort of 44 healthcare workers up to a median of 721 days after a positive PCR test. CD was assessed using questionnaires and psychophysical screening tests. After 721 days, 11 of 44 (25%) participants reported PCD, with five describing an impaired quality of life. One participant reported hyperosmia (increased sense of smell). The risk of PCD at 721 days was higher for participants reporting qualitative changes (parosmia (altered smell), dysgeusia (altered taste), or phantosmia (hallucination of smell)) during initial infection than in those with isolated quantitative losses during the first COVID-19 infection (62.5% vs. 7.1%). The main recovery rate occurred within the first 100 days and did not continue until follow-up at 2 years. No correlation was found between antibody levels and CD, but we observed a trend of a higher percentage of T-cell responders in participants with CD. In conclusion, a significant proportion of patients suffer from PCD and impaired quality of life 2 years after initial infection. Qualitative changes in smell or taste during COVID-19 pose a higher risk for PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia E. Schambeck
- Helios Klinikum Munich West, Steinerweg 5, 81241 Munich, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Laura M. Mateyka
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Teresa Burrell
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Natalia Graf
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Ioana Brill
- Helios Klinikum Munich West, Steinerweg 5, 81241 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Stark
- Helios Klinikum Munich West, Steinerweg 5, 81241 Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Gerhard
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Henriette Riehl
- Helios Klinikum Munich West, Steinerweg 5, 81241 Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Poppert
- Helios Klinikum Munich West, Steinerweg 5, 81241 Munich, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie im Neuro-Kopf-Zentrum, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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19
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Jensen MM, Larsen KD, Homøe AS, Simonsen AL, Arndal E, Koch A, Samuelsen GB, Nielsen XC, Todsen T, Homøe P. Subjective and psychophysical olfactory and gustatory dysfunction among COVID-19 outpatients; short- and long-term results. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275518. [PMID: 36191024 PMCID: PMC9529127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are early symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Between 20-80% of infected individuals report subjective altered sense of smell and/or taste during infection. Up to 2/3 of previously infected experience persistent olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction after 6 months. The aim of this study was to examine subjective and psychophysical olfactory and gustatory function in non-hospitalized individuals with acute COVID-19 up to 6 months after infection. METHODS Individuals aged 18-80-years with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test no older than 10 days, were eligible. Only individuals able to visit the outpatient examination facilities were included. Gustatory function was tested with the Burgharts Taste Strips and olfactory function was examined with the Brief Smell Identifications test (Danish version). Subjective symptoms were examined through an online questionnaire at inclusion, day 30, 90 and 180 after inclusion. RESULTS Fifty-eight SARS-CoV-2 positive and 56 negative controls were included. 58.6% (34/58) of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals vs. 8.9% (5/56) of negative controls reported subjective olfactory dysfunction at inclusion. For gustatory dysfunction, 46.5% (27/58) of positive individuals reported impairment compared to 8.9% (5/56) of negative controls. In psychophysical tests, 75.9% (46/58) had olfactory dysfunction and 43.1% (25/58) had gustatory dysfunction among the SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals at inclusion. Compared to negative controls, SARS-CoV-2 infected had significantly reduced olfaction and gustation. Previously infected individuals continued to report lower subjective sense of smell 30 days after inclusion, whereafter the difference between the groups diminished. However, after 180 days, 20.7% (12/58) positive individuals still reported reduced sense of smell and taste. CONCLUSION Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there is inconsistency between subjective reporting and psychophysical test assessment of especially olfaction. Most individuals regain normal function after 30 days, but approximately 20% report persistent olfactory and gustatory dysfunction 6 months after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Mose Jensen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Kasper Daugaard Larsen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sophie Homøe
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | | | - Elisabeth Arndal
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Koch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Staten Serum Institut (SSI), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Xiaohui Chen Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | - Tobias Todsen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Preben Homøe
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Hintschich CA, Dietz M, Haehner A, Hummel T. Topical Administration of Mometasone Is Not Helpful in Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101483. [PMID: 36294918 PMCID: PMC9605508 DOI: 10.3390/life12101483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent olfactory dysfunction is a major concern post-COVID-19, affecting up to 5% of all patients. Different therapeutic options, including mometasone nasal spray, have been recommended, only some of which have been validated for post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. In this study we psychophysically assessed the effect of intranasally applied mometasone furoate on the recovery of olfaction. The spray was applied with a long applicator so that the olfactory cleft could be reached effectively. After olfactory dysfunction had been confirmed psychophysically using Sniffin’ Sticks, patients were randomly assigned to two different treatment arms: the study group (n = 40) underwent olfactory training and intranasal administration of mometasone furoate twice daily, whereas the control group (n = 46) performed olfactory training only. After a study duration of three months, psychophysical testing of olfaction was repeated using Sniffin’ Sticks. We found no benefit of an additional topical administration of mometasone furoate compared to olfactory training alone. These results psychophysically confirm two previous studies which were based on patients’ subjective self-ratings. Our findings are in contrast to current recommendations for the management of olfactory dysfunction post-COVID-19, which might have to be adapted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin A. Hintschich
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-944-9401
| | - Melanie Dietz
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Haehner
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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21
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Leung JS, Cordano VP, Fuentes-López E, Lagos AE, García-Huidobro FG, Aliaga R, Díaz LA, García-Salum T, Salinas E, Toro A, Callejas CA, Riquelme A, Palmer JN, Medina RA, González G C. Phantosmia May Predict Long-Term Measurable Olfactory Dysfunction After COVID-19. Laryngoscope 2022; 132:2445-2452. [PMID: 36149773 PMCID: PMC9538510 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) after 6 months caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has been reported with a variable prevalence worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long‐term OD and identify predisposing factors. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 100 adults with COVID‐19. Olfactory function was assessed with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and a symptom survey at the onset of disease and 30 days later. Patients with persistent quantitative OD at the second assessment were reevaluated after 1 year. Demographic variables, symptoms, and the degree of smell loss were analyzed. Results Participants included 100 patients. The mean age was 42.2 ± 15.6 years, 55 (55%) were female, and 56 (56%) were outpatients. Baseline smell loss was identified in 75/100 (75%) patients, decreasing to 39/95 (40%) after 1 month, and persisting in 29 patients after 1 year. Phantosmia at baseline was the only risk factor identified for persistent OD after 1 year (relative risk 2.51; 95% confidence interval 1.53–4.12; p < 0.001). Regardless of the outcome in smell function, a significant decline in olfaction was associated with the presence of phantosmia at 1 month (β = −12.39; 95% CI −19.82 to −4.95; p < 0.01). Conclusions SARS‐CoV‐2 (2019–2020 variants) produced a highly frequent OD that persisted in 29% of the patients after 1 year. The presence of phantosmia at baseline and 1 month was associated with a worse evolution, but phantosmia may interfere with the performance in an identification smell test. A longer follow‐up is required in these patients. Level of Evidence 2 Laryngoscope, 2022
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai-Sen Leung
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valentina Paz Cordano
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Fuentes-López
- Carrera de Fonoaudiología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonia Elisa Lagos
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rodrigo Aliaga
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Antonio Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tamara García-Salum
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register (AIRR) - COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Erick Salinas
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register (AIRR) - COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adriana Toro
- Pediatric Service, Clínica UC San Carlos, Red Salud UC-Christus, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Andrés Callejas
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Arnoldo Riquelme
- Carrera de Fonoaudiología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Gastroenterología, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register (AIRR) - COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - James N Palmer
- Rhinology Division, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Rafael A Medina
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register (AIRR) - COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, U.S.A
| | - Claudia González G
- Otolaryngology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Register (AIRR) - COVID-19 Working Group, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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22
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Mendes Paranhos AC, Nazareth Dias ÁR, Machado da Silva LC, Vieira Hennemann Koury G, de Jesus Sousa E, Cerasi AJ, Souza GS, Simões Quaresma JA, Magno Falcão LF. Sociodemographic Characteristics and Comorbidities of Patients With Long COVID and Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2230637. [PMID: 36074464 PMCID: PMC9459661 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.30637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Determining the characteristics, type, and severity of olfactory dysfunction in patients with long COVID is important for the prognosis and potential treatment of the affected population. OBJECTIVE To describe the sociodemographic and clinical features of patients with long COVID who develop persistent olfactory dysfunction. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study, conducted at a rehabilitation center at a public university in the Amazon region of Brazil between September 9, 2020, and October 20, 2021, comprised 219 patients with long COVID and self-reported neurologic symptoms. Of these 219 patients, 139 received a diagnosis of chronic olfactory dysfunction, as confirmed by the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test. EXPOSURE Clinical diagnosis of long COVID. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Electronic case report forms were prepared for the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data. Patients' sense of smell was evaluated via a CCCRC test, and the association of olfactory dysfunction with aspects of daily life was recorded using a questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 219 patients included in the study, 164 (74.9%) were women, 194 (88.6%) were between 18 and 59 years of age (mean [SD] age, 43.2 [12.9] years), 206 (94.1%) had more than 9 years of education, and 115 (52.5%) had a monthly income of up to US $192.00. In the study group, 139 patients (63.5%) had some degree of olfactory dysfunction, whereas 80 patients (36.5%) had normosmia. Patients with olfactory dysfunction had a significantly longer duration of long COVID symptoms than those in the normosmia group (mean [SD], 242.7 [101.9] vs 221.0 [97.5] days; P = .01). Among patients with anosmia, there was a significant association between olfactory dysfunction and daily activities, especially in terms of impairment in hazard detection (21 of 31 patients [67.7%]), personal hygiene (21 of 31 patients [67.7%]), and food intake (21 of 31 patients [67.7%]). Univariable logistic regression analyses found that ageusia symptoms were associated with the occurrence of olfactory dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 11.14 [95% CI, 4.76-26.07]; P < .001), whereas headache (OR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.22-0.76]; P < .001) and sleep disorders (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.26-0.92]; P = .02) showed an inverse association with the occurrence of olfactory dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Olfactory dysfunction is one of the most important long-term neurologic symptoms of COVID-19, with the highest prevalence seen among women, adults, and outpatients. Patients with olfactory dysfunction may experience persistent severe hyposmia or anosmia more than 1 year from the onset of symptoms, suggesting the possibility of the condition becoming a permanent sequela.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alna Carolina Mendes Paranhos
- Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Biological and Health Center, Pará State University, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Antônio José Cerasi
- Biological Science Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Cosmopolita College, Belém, Brazil
| | - Givago Silva Souza
- Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Biological Science Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma
- Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Biological and Health Center, Pará State University, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fábio Magno Falcão
- Biological and Health Center, Pará State University, Belém, Brazil
- University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Analysis of Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Long-Lasting Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081256. [PMID: 36013436 PMCID: PMC9410278 DOI: 10.3390/life12081256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although smell and taste disorders are highly prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 infection, the predictive factors leading to long-lasting chemosensory dysfunction are still poorly understood. Methods: 102 out of 421 (24.2%) mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients completed a second questionnaire about the evolution of their symptoms one year after the infection using visual analog scales (VAS). A subgroup of 69 patients also underwent psychophysical evaluation of olfactory function through UPSIT. Results: The prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction decreased from 82.4% to 45.1% after 12 months, with 46.1% of patients reporting a complete recovery. Patients older than 40 years (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: [0.07, 0.56]) and with a duration of loss of smell longer than four weeks saw a lower odds ratio for recovery (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: [0.10, 0.76]). In addition, 28 patients (35.9%) reported suffering from parosmia, which was associated with moderate to severe taste dysfunction at the baseline (OR = 7.80; 95% CI: [1.70, 35.8]). Among the 69 subjects who underwent the UPSIT, 57 (82.6%) presented some degree of smell dysfunction, showing a moderate correlation with self-reported VAS (r = −0.36, p = 0.0027). Conclusion: A clinically relevant number of subjects reported persistent chemosensory dysfunction and parosmia one year after COVID-19 infection, with a moderate correlation with psychophysical olfactory tests.
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