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Intra-nasal Disodium Orthophosphate Is Beneficial in Improving Olfactory Dysfunction Post COVID-19
Mohamed S Imam1, Manal A A Alghamdi2, Jasmine N A Albukhari3
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Intranasal disodium orthophosphate significantly reduced nasal calcium levels in COVID-19 patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction. This treatment improved smell function in 81% of participants, offering a potential therapy for post-COVID-19 smell loss.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- COVID-19 is frequently associated with olfactory dysfunction, sometimes as the sole presenting symptom.
- Elevated nasal calcium levels have been observed in patients experiencing olfactory dysfunction.
- Disodium orthophosphate, a calcium chelating agent, shows potential for improving olfactory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of intranasal disodium orthophosphate in reducing nasal mucus calcium levels.
- To assess the impact of intranasal disodium orthophosphate on improving olfactory function in post-COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial involving 52 patients with post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.
- Participants received either intranasal disodium orthophosphate (1%) or sodium chloride (0.9%) spray for two months.
- Olfactory function was evaluated using the Sniffin' Sticks test, and nasal calcium levels were quantified.
Main Results:
- Intranasal disodium orthophosphate led to a significant reduction in nasal calcium concentrations compared to the control group.
- Eighty-one percent of patients treated with disodium orthophosphate showed improvement in olfactory function, transitioning from anosmia to hyposmia.
Conclusions:
- Intranasal administration of disodium orthophosphate demonstrates a beneficial effect on olfactory dysfunction following COVID-19.
- This intervention offers a promising therapeutic strategy for restoring smell in post-COVID-19 patients.
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