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Published in: BioPsychoSocial Medicine 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Taste Disorder | Research

Ethyl loflazepate as a treatment for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorder

Authors: Ken-ichiro Sakata, Hiroyuki Hato, Jun Sato, Takashi Iori, Noritaka Ohga, Haruhisa Watanabe, Yutaka Yamazaki, Yoshimasa Kitagawa

Published in: BioPsychoSocial Medicine | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Ethyl loflazepate (EL) is a benzodiazepine derivative that has been reported to activate the gustatory cortex. Our department routinely uses EL as a first-line treatment for idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorders, although little has been reported in the literature with respect to patient outcomes, so we conducted a retrospective study examining its safety and efficacy.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2020, 49 patients (14 males and 35 females; mean age, 62.1 years) were diagnosed with taste disorders and received EL as their only treatment for > 14 days. Severity of taste disorder was evaluated using the paper disc method by Sakai et al., and treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, wherein patients gave subjective ratings for their symptoms (reductions by > 50% after administration of EL for 4 weeks were defined as improvements).

Results

Results showed that the improvement rates for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorders were 55 and 70%, respectively. Additionally, the majority (78%) improved within 2 weeks, and side effects were mild (seven cases with drowsiness and one case with dizziness).

Conclusions

We conclude that EL is an appropriate first-line medication for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorders.
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Metadata
Title
Ethyl loflazepate as a treatment for patients with idiopathic and psychogenic taste disorder
Authors
Ken-ichiro Sakata
Hiroyuki Hato
Jun Sato
Takashi Iori
Noritaka Ohga
Haruhisa Watanabe
Yutaka Yamazaki
Yoshimasa Kitagawa
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Taste Disorder
Published in
BioPsychoSocial Medicine / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1751-0759
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-022-00246-1

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