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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)

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Open Access 25-09-2021 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Article

Quantitative but not qualitative flavor recognition impairments in COVID-19 patients

Authors: Immacolata Cristina Nettore, Elena Cantone, Giuseppe Palatucci, Fabiana Franchini, Rufina Maturi, Mariagiovanna Nerilli, Elio Manzillo, Maria Foggia, Luigi Maione, Paola Ungaro, Annamaria Colao, Paolo Emidio Macchia

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Background

Smell and taste dysfunctions (STDs) are symptoms associated with COVID-19 syndrome, even if their incidence is still uncertain and variable.

Aims

In this study, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on chemosensory function have been investigated using both a self-reporting questionnaire on smell and flavor perception, and a simplified flavor test.

Methods

A total of 111 subjects (19 hospitalized [HOS] and 37 home-isolated [HI] COVID-19 patients, and 55 healthy controls [CTRL]) were enrolled in the study. They received a self-evaluation questionnaire and a self-administered flavor test kit. The flavor test used consists in the self-administration of four solutions with a pure olfactory stimulus (coffee), a mixed olfactory-trigeminal stimulus (peppermint), and a complex chemical mixture (banana).

Results

After SARS-CoV-2 infection, HOS and HI patients reported similar prevalence of STDs, with a significant reduction of both smell and flavor self-estimated perception. The aromas of the flavor test were recognized by HI and HOS COVID-19 patients similarly to CTRL; however, the intensity of the perceived aromas was significantly lower in patients compared to controls.

Conclusion

Data reported here suggests that a chemosensory impairment is present after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the modified “flavor test” could be a novel self-administering objective screening test to assess STDs in COVID-19 patients.

Clinical trial registration no. NCT04840966; April 12, 2021, retrospectively registered

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Title: Quantitative but not qualitative flavor recognition impairments in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Immacolata Cristina Nettore
Elena Cantone
Giuseppe Palatucci
Fabiana Franchini
Rufina Maturi
Mariagiovanna Nerilli
Elio Manzillo
Maria Foggia
Luigi Maione
Paola Ungaro
Annamaria Colao
Paolo Emidio Macchia
Publication date: 25-09-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02786-x

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Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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