Olfactory dysfunction among patients with COVID-19

Maximizing Participation in Olfactory Training in a Sample with Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Loss

PURPOSE

This study aims to highlight the feasibility of an olfactory training program entirely monitored through online media in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

Classic olfactory training was performed with a sample with olfactory loss due COVID-19 (n = 11). Participants were engaged on a weekly video call in order to improve adherence and collect information regarding the number of correct answers and the individuals' perception of olfactory function. The olfactory status after training was compared to two groups, one composed of participants who contracted COVID-19 but did not report olfactory loss (n = 11) and a sample composed of healthy participants (n = 11).

RESULTS

The experimental group showed improvements throughout the training period (TDI score on week 0 was 20.3 (5.6) and 24.6 (4.3) for week 12, and on week 24 was 25.4 (6.2) (F = 5.115, df = 2, 20, p = 0.016), and post hoc tests showed that participants significantly improved their TDI score in W12 compared to W0 (SMD = 0.869, p = 0.041) and in W24 compared to W0 (SMD = 0.859, p = 0.041). The experimental group showed lower scores when compared with both groups, and the no OT COVID-19 group showed lower scores than the healthy control group, even though they did not report olfactory alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that the strategies applied to improve adherence were successful since 100% of the sample completed the training adherence, offering a valuable framework for future olfactory training studies.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Long COVID Olfactory Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Long COVID has brought numerous challenges to healthcare, with olfactory dysfunction (OD) being a particularly distressing outcome for many patients. The persistent loss of smell significantly diminishes the affected individual's quality of life. Recent attention has been drawn to the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as a treatment for OD. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP therapy in ameliorating OD, especially when associated with long-term COVID-19. Methods: We executed a comprehensive search of the literature, encompassing clinical trials and observational studies that utilized PRP in treating OD limited to COVID-19. We retrieved and comprehensively discussed data such as design, participant demographics, and reported outcomes, focusing on the efficacy and safety of PRP therapy for OD in COVID-19 patients. Results: Our comprehensive analysis interestingly found promising perspectives for PRP in OD following COVID-19 infection. The collective data indicate that PRP therapy contributed to a significant improvement in olfactory function after COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: The evidence amassed suggests that PRP is a promising and safe therapeutic option for OD, including cases attributable to Long COVID-19. The observed uniform enhancement of olfactory function in patients receiving PRP highlights the necessity for well-designed, controlled trials. Such studies would help to refine treatment protocols and more definitively ascertain the efficacy of PRP in a broader, more varied patient cohort.

Evaluation of Olfactory Dysfunction Among COVID-19 Patients in Baghdad, Iraq

Background SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) causes olfactory dysfunction which is characterized by anosmia or hyposmia. Characterization of olfactory dysfunction has added value to the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Nevertheless, scarce information exists about COVID-19 patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction in Iraq. This study aimed to identify olfactory dysfunction (anosmia or hyposmia) in Iraqi COVID-19 patients and examine their response to smell exercise at Baghdad Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. Methodology This case series prospective study involving 300 patients (160 males and 140 females) with COVID-19 infection was conducted from June 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021. We recorded signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among patients by examining olfactory dysfunction, n-butanol olfaction test, and smell test exercise. Results Anosmia and hyposmia were found in 69.3% and 30.7% of the patients, respectively; of these, 65.7% were of sudden onset. The association between olfactory dysfunction and smoking was not significant. The most frequent signs and symptoms of COVID-19 were fatigue, fever, loss of taste, myalgia, headache, sore throat, cough, depressed appetite, dyspnea, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The highest frequencies of occurrence of anosmia (30.7%) and hyposmia (13.3%) were in the age group of 31-40 years. The majority (47.7%) of patients with olfactory dysfunction recovered within one month of COVID-19 onset. The rest of the patients recovered within one month to 16 months. The most commonly encountered ear, nose, and throat symptoms were nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and facial/ear pain. The percentages of patients with anosmia and hyposmia recovering with smell exercise were significant at 64.7% and 25.3%, respectively. Conclusions The prognosis of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients was good as most cases recovered within a short period with concomitant smell exercise. Olfactory dysfunction in the majority of COVID-19 patients was self-limiting in young age groups, albeit in association with the non-severity of the disease. Being an important public health issue, examining olfactory dysfunction aspects should be considered in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment protocols of COVID-19 patients. In-depth exploration is needed to examine olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients suffering from severe COVID-19.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction: Myth or Reality? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

With promising outcomes, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently been suggested as a treatment for olfactory dysfunction (OD).

METHODS

Clinical studies utilizing PRP in OD caused by COVID-19, trauma, anesthetic exposure, viral infection, and chronic rhinosinusitis were included in a systematic review.

RESULTS

Ten clinical studies were qualitatively analyzed. Six of these studies used the PRP for OD caused by COVID-19, one on OD after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and three on post-infectious or post-trauma OD. The population included 531 patients, ranging in age from 15 to 63.

CONCLUSION

The use of PRP may be a risk-free and efficient therapeutic option with very encouraging outcomes. Indeed, it enhances olfactory perception in patients who not only exhibit COVID-19 infection aftereffects, but also in those who have lost their sense of smell due to trauma, rhinosinusitis, rhinitis, or even surgery. To evaluate the PRP's therapeutic benefits in OD patients and to compare the efficacy of different therapeutic protocols with regard to treatment schedules, there is an urgent need for focused controlled trials.