Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma on post-COVID chronic olfactory dysfunction
Melis Demirag Evman1, Zeynep Erdogan Cetin1
1Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery - Istanbul, Turkey.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|November 1, 2023
Summary
Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved smell detection and identification in patients with long-term post-COVID olfactory dysfunction. This treatment showed no adverse effects, offering a promising option for persistent smell loss.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Post-COVID olfactory dysfunction (PCOD) affects over 1 year
- Standard treatments like intranasal steroids and olfactory training are often ineffective for persistent PCOD
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) efficacy for PCOD
- Evaluate PRP in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized controlled trial
- 25 patients with PCOD >1 year randomized to PRP injection or control
- Olfactory function assessed using Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) tests
Main Results:
- PRP group showed significant improvement in smell detection threshold (p=0.037) and smell identification (p<0.001)
- Control group showed minimal changes in olfactory scores
- No adverse events reported with PRP injection
Conclusions:
- Intranasal PRP injection is effective for improving olfactory function in chronic PCOD
- PRP offers a safe and potentially beneficial treatment for persistent smell dysfunction post-COVID-19
