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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-12-2021 | Smelling Disorder | Rhinology

Long-term follow-up of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19: 6 months case–control study of health workers

Authors: Juan Riestra-Ayora, Joaquin Yanes-Diaz, Jonathan Esteban-Sanchez, Cristina Vaduva, Cristina Molina-Quiros, Alba Larran-Jimenez, Eduardo Martin-Sanz

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to determine the incidence and long-term evolution of COVID-related olfactory (OD) and gustatory (GD) dysfunction, the recovery timeline, and the association with other symptoms. The secondary objective was to identify the predictive clinical factors for the evolution of these symptoms.

Methods

A prospective case–control study was conducted from March 15 to October 15, 2020, in health workers with COVID-19 related symptoms in a tertiary care hospital. 320 patients were included after 6 months of follow-up: 195 in the case group and 125 in the control group. Olfactory dysfunction (OD), dysosmia, and gustatory dysfunction (GD) onset and recovery rate after 6 months follow-up are analyzed in both groups.

Results

There were 125 (64.1%) in case group patients with OD and 118 (60.5%) with GD. Total or partial recovery OD and GD was found in 89%, mainly in the first 2 months. In the control group, there were 14 (11.2%) patients with OD and 33 (26.4%) patients with GD, with 100% of total/partial recovery.

Conclusion

In both groups, OD and GD showed high-resolution rates during the first two months after the onset of symptoms. Nevertheless, 11% of the case group patients did not show any recovery, and the partial resolution was present in 30% of our patients, at the 6 months follow-up. We found a high correlation between OD and GD, both in the appearance of symptoms and in their recovery. Nasal obstruction and dyspnea have been identified as risk factors for the persistence of symptoms.

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Title: Long-term follow-up of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19: 6 months case–control study of health workers
Authors: Juan Riestra-Ayora
Joaquin Yanes-Diaz
Jonathan Esteban-Sanchez
Cristina Vaduva
Cristina Molina-Quiros
Alba Larran-Jimenez
Eduardo Martin-Sanz
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Smelling Disorder
SARS-CoV-2
Smelling Disorder
COVID-19
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06764-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Long-term follow-up of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19: 6 months case–control study of health workers

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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