Prevalence and Prognostic Factors Associated with Early Recovery of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01455613
eISSN
19427522
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85172164646
Pubmed ID
37743845
Journal Title
Ear, Nose and Throat Journal
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Ear, Nose and Throat Journal (2023)
Suggested Citation
Kreesaeng P., Tangbumrungtham N., Rachapattayakhom R., Roongpuvapaht B., Tanjararak K. Prevalence and Prognostic Factors Associated with Early Recovery of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients. Ear, Nose and Throat Journal (2023). doi:10.1177/01455613231202207 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/90324
Title
Prevalence and Prognostic Factors Associated with Early Recovery of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of smell dysfunction, along with its risk factors, has been evaluated in previous literature; however, little has been established regarding its relation to other factors such as disease severity, history of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations, and medical treatment for COVID-19 infection. These factors may impact the overall recovery of olfaction in COVID-19 patients. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of early olfactory recovery from COVID-19 infection and its associated factors. Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study on 348 COVID-19 patients with a new onset of anosmia or hyposmia. Smell sensation scores on the olfactory self-assessment test were collected at baseline and every week until 6 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was the prevalence of early olfactory recovery. The secondary outcomes were analyzing factors associated with early olfactory recovery and the median time to complete recovery of smell loss. Results: The prevalence of early olfactory recovery was 63.1% (95% CI: 0.58-0.68), and significant associated factors in multivariate analysis included patients without allergic rhinitis (OR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.12-4.40, P = 0.023) and no alteration of taste perception (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02-2.57, P = 0.042). The median time to complete recovery from smell loss was 2 weeks. Conclusion: The present study found that the prevalence of early olfactory recovery within 2 weeks was 63.1%. The median time to olfactory recovery was also 2 weeks. Patients without allergic rhinitis and taste alteration had a significantly better chance of early recovery of olfactory function.