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Odour perception in chronic renal disease
M I Griep1, P Van der Niepen, J J Sennesael
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium.
Summary
Chronic renal failure severely impairs the sense of smell, linked to toxin buildup. Kidney transplantation restores odour perception, but dialysis offers no immediate improvement, indicating long-term effects of uraemia.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Olfactory Science
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Olfactory perception is crucial for quality of life and is often diminished in elderly or unhealthy individuals.
- Renal disease is associated with poor nutritional status, highlighting a potential link between kidney function, nutrition, and smell.
- This study investigates the relationship between renal function, nutritional state, and odour perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of chronic renal failure on odour perception.
- To determine the relationship between renal function, nutritional status, and olfactory abilities.
- To assess the effect of renal replacement therapies (dialysis, transplantation) on smell.
Main Methods:
- 101 patients with chronic renal failure (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplanted, renal insufficiency) were evaluated.
- Odour perception was objectively measured using the detection threshold for isoamyl acetate (banana odour).
- Exclusion criteria included cognitive deficits and upper respiratory airway diseases.
Main Results:
- Patients with chronic renal failure exhibited significantly lower odour perception compared to healthy controls.
- Odour perception correlated positively with creatinine clearance and negatively with serum urea, phosphorus, and protein catabolic rate.
- Transplanted patients showed normal odour perception, similar to controls, while dialysis patients had impaired smell.
Conclusions:
- Chronic renal failure significantly impairs the sense of smell, associated with uraemic toxin accumulation.
- Renal transplantation can restore normal odour perception, suggesting the olfactory system's recovery potential.
- Dialysis does not immediately correct olfactory deficits, indicating a lasting impact of uraemia on smell.