Olfactory dysfunction at six months after coronavirus disease 2019 infection

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• Long-term effects of COVID-19 on smell are not fully understood.
• Assessing post-COVID-19 olfactory outcomes is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate olfactory dysfunction six months after a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
• To identify factors associated with persistent smell dysfunction post-COVID-19.
• To provide data on the recovery trajectory of smell in COVID-19 survivors.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 56 patients with confirmed COVID-19 was assessed.
• Olfactory function was measured using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.
• Patient data were collected using the adapted International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium Protocol.

Main Results:

• At six months post-COVID-19, 64.3% of patients had normal smell (normosmia).
• 28.6% experienced mild to moderate hyposmia, and 7% had severe hyposmia or anosmia.
• Older age was significantly associated with olfactory dysfunction; hospitalization status did not impact outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Approximately two-thirds of patients recover normal olfaction six months after COVID-19.
• This study provides the first six-month olfactory outcome data for post-COVID-19 patients.
• Understanding long-term olfactory recovery is vital for comprehensive COVID-19 care.