Treatment of COVID-19 Associated Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Sabrina Bischoff1,2, Mathilde Moyaert1, Marnick Clijsters3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and calcium chelators show promise for treating COVID-19 associated olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory training and corticosteroids were found to be ineffective in improving olfactory function scores.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- COVID-19 frequently causes olfactory dysfunction, impacting quality of life.
- Effective treatments for post-COVID smell loss are urgently needed.
- Current therapeutic strategies lack robust evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review treatments for COVID-19 associated olfactory dysfunction.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical application.
- To analyze the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 36 randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies (Jan 2020 - Nov 2023).
- Analysis of nine treatment groups: olfactory training, corticosteroids, PRP, calcium chelators, vitamin supplements, insulin, gabapentin, cerebrolysin.
- Primary outcome: change in olfactory function score (OFS) via objective testing.
Main Results:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and calcium chelators significantly improved OFS.
- Olfactory training showed no notable efficacy in improving OFS.
- Corticosteroids also demonstrated limited efficacy for COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- PRP and calcium chelators represent potential therapeutic options for COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.
- Olfactory training and corticosteroids are not recommended based on current evidence.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols.
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