Evolution of Olfactory Disorders in COVID-19 Patients

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Olfactory and gustatory impairment are frequently reported in COVID-19 patients.
• The spontaneous evolution and recovery patterns of these sensory dysfunctions remain largely unknown.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for patient management and therapeutic planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spontaneous evolution of olfactory disorders in patients who have recovered from COVID-19.
• To determine the rate and timeline of olfactory recovery following COVID-19 infection.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 229 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients.
• 140 patients reporting sudden olfactory/gustatory disorders were interviewed via phone using a 16-question survey.
• The primary endpoint was the olfactory recovery rate at the time of the survey.

Main Results:

• Olfactory disorders were more frequent in patients infected before March 20, 2020 (70.3%) compared to later (53.9%).
• At a mean of 26 days post-onset, 95.71% of patients reported initiating olfactory recovery, with a mean onset of 11.6 days after loss.
• Complete olfactory recovery was observed in 51.43% of patients, significantly associated with a shorter time to recovery onset, and absence of nasal obstruction or irritation.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of the spontaneous evolution of olfactory dysfunction aids in reassuring patients.
• This understanding supports the planning of therapeutic strategies for persistent olfactory dysfunction post-COVID-19.