Open AccessOlfactory and Gustatory Outcomes in COVID‐19: A Prospective Evaluation in Nonhospitalized Subjects
Author(s) -
Paderno Alberto,
Mattavelli Davide,
Rampinelli Vittorio,
Grammatica Alberto,
Raffetti Elena,
Tomasoni Michele,
Gualtieri Tommaso,
Taboni Stefano,
Zorzi Silvia,
Del Bon Francesca,
Lombardi Davide,
Deganello Alberto,
Redaelli De Zinis Luca Oscar,
Schreiber Alberto
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599820939538
Subject(s) - medicine , covid-19 , anosmia , cohort , prospective cohort study , cohort study , population , high resolution , pediatrics , gastroenterology , disease , remote sensing , environmental health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , geology
Objective To prospectively assess the rate and timing of recovery of olfactory (OD) and gustatory (GD) dysfunction in patients affected by COVID‐19. Study Design Cohort study. Setting Population‐based evaluation in a COVID‐19 high‐prevalence region. Subjects and Methods We analyzed the clinical course of OD and GD in a cohort of home‐quarantined SARS‐CoV‐2–positive patients from Northern Italy. Physicians administered a survey‐based questionnaire at recruitment (T0). During follow‐up, patients responded to online dedicated surveys modulated according to symptoms at T0. Results A total of 151 patients completed the follow‐up survey. OD and/or GD were observed in 83% and 89% of subjects, respectively. Resolution rates of OD and GD at 30 days from onset were 87% and 82%, respectively. Risk factors for late resolution were grade of dysfunction at onset (total vs partial), gender, and presence of nasal congestion. Three (2%) patients previously reporting complete resolution of symptoms complained of subsequent recurrence of OD and/or GD after a mean of 19 days from resolution of the previous episode. Conclusion COVID‐19–related OD and GD had high rate of resolution in the first month from onset of symptoms. However, in 10% to 15% of patients, these symptoms showed only partial improvement after this period.