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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-01-2022 | Coronavirus | Short Communication

Self-reported smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a one-year prospective study

Authors: Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo, Francesco Guida, Jerry Polesel, Alberto Vito Marcuzzo, Paolo Antonucci, Vincenzo Capriotti, Erica Sacchet, Fiordaliso Cragnolini, Andrea D’Alessandro, Enrico Zanelli, Riccardo Marzolino, Chiara Lazzarin, Margherita Tofanelli, Nicoletta Gardenal, Daniele Borsetto, Claire Hopkins, Luigi Angelo Vaira, Giancarlo Tirelli

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to estimate the 1 year prevalence and recovery rate of self-reported chemosensory dysfunction in a series of subjects with previous mild-to-moderate symptomatic COVID-19.

Methods

Prospective study based on the SNOT-22, item “sense of smell or taste” and additional outcomes.

Results

268/315 patients (85.1%) completing the survey at baseline also completed the follow-up interview. The 12 months prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 associated chemosensory dysfunction was 21.3% (95% CI 16.5–26.7%). Of the 187 patients who complained of COVID-19 associated chemosensory dysfunction at baseline, 130 (69.5%; 95% CI 62.4–76.0%) reported complete resolution of smell or taste impairment, 41 (21.9%) reported a decrease in the severity, and 16 (8.6%) reported the symptom was unchanged or worse 1 year after onset. The risk of persistence was higher for patients reporting a baseline SNOT-22 score ≥ 4 (OR = 3.32; 95% CI 1.32–8.36) as well as for those requiring ≥ 22 days for a negative swab (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.12–4.27).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with previous mild-to-moderate symptomatic COVID-19 characterized by new onset of chemosensory dysfunction still complained on altered sense of smell or taste 1 year after the onset.

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Title: Self-reported smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a one-year prospective study
Authors: Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
Francesco Guida
Jerry Polesel
Alberto Vito Marcuzzo
Paolo Antonucci
Vincenzo Capriotti
Erica Sacchet
Fiordaliso Cragnolini
Andrea D’Alessandro
Enrico Zanelli
Riccardo Marzolino
Chiara Lazzarin
Margherita Tofanelli
Nicoletta Gardenal
Daniele Borsetto
Claire Hopkins
Luigi Angelo Vaira
Giancarlo Tirelli
Publication date: 01-01-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Anosmia
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06839-w

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Self-reported smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a one-year prospective study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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