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The Medical Journal of Malaysia Sep 2020Multiple anecdotal reports suggest that smell and taste loss were early subclinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients. The objective of this review was to identify the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Multiple anecdotal reports suggest that smell and taste loss were early subclinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients. The objective of this review was to identify the incidence of smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19, determine the onset of their symptoms and the risk factors of anosmia, hyposmia, ageusia or dysgeusia for COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar on 15th May 2020, with search terms including SARS-COV-2, coronavirus, COVID-19, hyposmia, anosmia, ageusia and dysgeusia. The articles included were cross sectional studies, observational studies and retrospective or prospective audits, letters to editor and short communications that included a study of a cohort of patients. Case reports, case-series and interventional studies were excluded.
DISCUSSION
A total of 16 studies were selected. Incidence of smell and taste dysfunction was higher in Europe (34 to 86%), North America (19 to 71%) and the Middle East (36 to 98%) when compared to the Asian cohorts (11 to 15%) in COVID-19 positive patients. Incidence of smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 negative patients was low in comparison (12 to 27%). Total incidence of smell and taste dysfunction from COVID-19 positive and negative patients from seven studies was 20% and 10% respectively. Symptoms may appear just before, concomitantly, or immediately after the onset of the usual symptoms. Occurs predominantly in females. When occurring immediately after the onset of the usual symptoms, the median time of onset was 3.3 to 4.4 days. Symptoms persist for a period of seven to 14 days. Patients with smell and taste dysfunction were reported to have a six to ten-fold odds of having COVID-19.
CONCLUSION
Smell and taste dysfunction has a high incidence in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The incidence was lower in the Asia region. It is a strong risk factor for COVID-19. It may be the only symptom and should be added to the list of symptoms when screening for COVID- 19.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Humans; Incidence; Olfaction Disorders; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Taste Disorders
PubMed: 32918429
DOI: No ID Found -
CJEM Sep 2020To slow down the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is important to identify specific symptoms for effective screening. While anosmia/hyposmia and...
OBJECTIVES
To slow down the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is important to identify specific symptoms for effective screening. While anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/ageusia have been identified as highly prevalent symptoms, there are wide geographic variations, necessitating the regional evaluation of the prevalence of the symptoms.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the self-reported symptoms among adults (over 18 years old) who underwent COVID-19 tests at an ambulatory assessment centre. We identified 1,345 patients (102 positive and 1,243 negative) who visited the assessment centre between March 16 and April 15, 2020. We randomly sampled negative patients in a 1:3 ratio. The primary outcome was the prevalence of self-reported anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/ageusia. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 positivity and loss of smell and taste.
RESULTS
Fifty-six of 102 (50%) positive patients and 72 of 306 (23.5%) negative patients completed the survey. Anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/ageusia were more prevalent among COVID-19 positive patients (41.1% v. 4.2%, p < 0.001 for smell and 46.4% v. 5.6%, p < 0.001 for taste). Anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/ageusia were independently highly associated with COVID-19 positivity (adjusted odds ratios 14.4 and 11.4 for smell and taste, respectively).
CONCLUSION
In this Canadian study, smell and taste loss may be key symptoms of COVID-19. This evidence can be helpful in the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19, particularly settings of limited testing capacity.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Canada; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Coronavirus Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dysgeusia; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Olfaction Disorders; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Reference Values; Risk Assessment; Self Report; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 32507123
DOI: 10.1017/cem.2020.420 -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Jul 2021Dysgeusia is an altered or damaged tasting perception of a multifactorial etiology, from polypharmacy, infections to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Approximately 5% of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Dysgeusia is an altered or damaged tasting perception of a multifactorial etiology, from polypharmacy, infections to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Approximately 5% of the population suffer from a diminished taste sensation, which unfortunately remains underestimated by the affected person, creating the conditions for a dramatic underestimation of the incidence of the symptom. The aim of this study is to summarize the evidences present in literature on the relations between Dysgeusia and alterations of the nutritional status Methods: an integrative review with metanarrative analysis of the articles included was carried out in August 2020. PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL databases were examined with keywords and methodological strings. PRISMA flow-chart along with a qualitative evaluation grid (JBI-QARI) were applied in the selection of the studies with a time limitation to the last ten years.
RESULTS
10 articles resulted from the literature review process were divided into two macro-categories. Eight articles reported dysgeusia linked to weight loss. The second macro-category showed two studies relating to dysgeusia in patients with altered nutritional status associated with body weight gain.
CONCLUSIONS
this review represents an initial contribution to summarize the best evidence and knowledge in relation to dysgeusia, with the aim of enabling the identification and treatment of this symptom and facilitating targeted educational interventions.
Topics: Dysgeusia; Humans; Nutritional Status; Polypharmacy; Weight Loss
PubMed: 34328144
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92iS2.11015 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2020Smell and taste impairments are recognized as common symptoms in COVID 19 patients even in an asymptomatic phase. Indeed, depending on the country, in up to 85-90% of... (Review)
Review
Smell and taste impairments are recognized as common symptoms in COVID 19 patients even in an asymptomatic phase. Indeed, depending on the country, in up to 85-90% of cases anosmia and dysgeusia are reported. We will review briefly the main mechanisms involved in the physiology of olfaction and taste focusing on receptors and transduction as well as the main neuroanatomical pathways. Then we will examine the current evidences, even if still fragmented and unsystematic, explaining the disturbances and mode of action of the virus at the level of the nasal and oral cavities. We will focus on its impact on the peripheral and central nervous system. Finally, considering the role of smell and taste in numerous physiological functions, especially in ingestive behavior, we will discuss the consequences on the physiology of the patients as well as management regarding food intake.
PubMed: 33574768
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.625110 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Oct 2022Although parosmia is a common problem in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies assessed the demographic and clinical aspects of this debilitating symptom. We...
Although parosmia is a common problem in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies assessed the demographic and clinical aspects of this debilitating symptom. We aimed to evaluate the socio-clinical characteristics and outcome of various options of treatment of individuals with parosmia due to COVID-19 infection. The study was conducted at two main Hospitals in the Ramadi and Tikrit cities, Iraq, on patients with a chief complaint of parosmia due to COVID-19 disease. The study involved 7 months (August 2020-February 2021). Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment options with their outcome were recorded and analyzed. Out of 268 patients with parosmia, there were 197 (73.5%) females. The majority were from age group ≤ 30 years (n = 188, 70.1%), housewives (n = 150, 56%), non-smokers (n = 222, 82.8%), and associated with dysgeusia (n = 207, 77.2%) but not associated with nasal symptoms (n = 266, 99.3%). All patients have complained of anosmia (89.9%) or hyposmia (10.1%). Troposmia was reported in the majority of participants. The majority of the patients were suffering from severe parosmia (65.7%). Around 3 quarters of the cases were presented in ≤ 4 months. Altered quality of life (AQL) was presented in 91.8% of subjects, and there was a significant association with the presence of dysgeusia and type and severity of parosmia. The smoking habit didn't show a significant association with AQL, the severity of parosmia, and the recovery rate. Most of the odor group was the most triggering stimuli eliciting parosmia, while, the sewage was the response odor in above 50% of the cases. The recovery rate was poor with olfactory training plus either tonics or local and systemic steroids. Parosmia due to COVID-19 infection is a common problem with poor results in the short-term treatment and follow-up. The AQL was seen in a greater proportion of patients and strongly associated with the presence of dysgeusia, type, and severity of parosmia.
PubMed: 34055592
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02630-9 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2020Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in China in December 2019 and rapidly caused a global health pandemic. Current evidence seems to suggest a possible link with ecosystem... (Review)
Review
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in China in December 2019 and rapidly caused a global health pandemic. Current evidence seems to suggest a possible link with ecosystem disequilibrium and even air pollution. The primary manifestations affect respiratory and circulatory systems, but neurological features are also being reported through case reports and case series. We summarize neurological symptoms and complications associated with COVID-19. We have searched for original articles published in PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central and Google Scholar using the following keywords: "COVID-19", "Coronavirus", "pandemic", "SARS-COV-2", "neurology", "neurological", "complications" and "manifestations". We found around 1000 publications addressing the issue of neurological conditions associated with COVID-19 infection. Amongst those, headache and dizziness are the most common reported symptoms followed by encephalopathy and delirium, while the most frequent complications are cerebrovascular accidents, Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute transverse myelitis, and acute encephalitis. Specific symptoms affecting the peripheral nervous system such as hyposmia and dysgeusia are the most common manifestations recorded in the selected studies. Interestingly, it was noted that these kinds of neurological symptoms might precede the typical features, such as fever and cough, in COVID patients. Neurological symptoms and complications associated with COVID-19 should be considered as a part of the clinical features of this novel global pandemic.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; China; Comorbidity; Coronavirus Infections; Dizziness; Dysgeusia; Headache; Humans; Nervous System Diseases; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33139595
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218049 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Nov 2021The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that clinically affects multiple... (Review)
Review
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that clinically affects multiple organs of the human body. Cells in the oral cavity express viral entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 that allows viral replication and may cause tissue inflammation and destruction. Recent studies have reported that Covid-19 patients present oral manifestations with multiple clinical aspects. In this review, we aim to summarise main signs and symptoms of Covid-19 in the oral cavity, its possible association with oral diseases, and the plausible underlying mechanisms of hyperinflammation reflecting crosstalk between Covid-19 and oral diseases. Ulcers, blisters, necrotising gingivitis, opportunistic coinfections, salivary gland alterations, white and erythematous plaques and gustatory dysfunction were the most reported clinical oral manifestations in patients with Covid-19. In general, the lesions appear concomitant with the loss of smell and taste. Multiple reports show evidences of necrotic/ulcerative gingiva, oral blisters and hypergrowth of opportunistic oral pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits tropism for endothelial cells and Covid-19-mediated endotheliitis can not only promote inflammation in oral tissues but can also facilitate virus spread. In addition, elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators in patients with Covid-19 and oral infectious disease can impair tissue homeostasis and cause delayed disease resolution. This suggests potential crosstalk of immune-mediated pathways underlying pathogenesis. Interestingly, few reports suggest recurrent herpetic lesions and higher bacterial growth in Covid-19 subjects, indicating SARS-CoV-2 and oral virus/bacteria interaction. Larger cohort studies comparing SARS-CoV-2 negative and positive subjects will reveal oral manifestation of the virus on oral health and its role in exacerbating oral infection.
Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Anosmia; COVID-19; Dysgeusia; Gene Expression; Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Mouth; Oral Ulcer; Periodontal Diseases; SARS-CoV-2; Serine Endopeptidases; Sialadenitis; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Xerostomia
PubMed: 33646645
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2226 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Nov 2022To compare the efficacy and safety characteristics of endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery based on current evidence. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety characteristics of endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery based on current evidence.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted of three medical databases, focusing on randomised, controlled studies or observational studies. Data related to the efficacy and safety of each technique were extracted. Outcome data were summarised using the pooled mean differences or pooled odds ratios, along with their 95 per cent confidence intervals.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Success rate was evaluated by estimating air-bone gap improvement; this revealed comparable outcomes for the two techniques (mean difference = -0.20; 95 per cent confidence interval = -0.53, 0.14). No statistically significant difference was detected concerning post-operative complications, except for dysgeusia (odds ratio = -1.12; 95 per cent confidence interval = -1.97, -0.28) and pain (odds ratio = -2.00; 95 per cent confidence interval = -2.97, -1.04), which favoured the endoscopic approach.
CONCLUSION
Though both techniques result in commensurate outcomes concerning success rate, post-operative pain and dysgeusia favour the endoscopic approach. Further high-quality studies are needed to adequately compare the two methods.
Topics: Humans; Dysgeusia; Stapes Surgery; Stapes; Endoscopy; Ossicular Prosthesis
PubMed: 35012693
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121004436 -
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 2022Taste disorders, impacting well-being and physical health, can be caused by many etiologies including the use of medication. Recently, taste disturbance is also...
Taste disorders, impacting well-being and physical health, can be caused by many etiologies including the use of medication. Recently, taste disturbance is also considered as one of the predominant symptoms of COVID-19 although its pathogenesis requires further research. Localized taste disorders may be overlooked considering that whole-mouth taste perception is insured through several mechanisms. Individuals often fail to discern taste from flavor, and interviews/surveys are insufficient to properly assess taste function. Hence, various taste assessment methods have been developed. Among them, psychophysical methods are most widely applied in a clinical context. Less-biased electrophysiological, imaging, or morphological methods are used to a much lesser degree. Overall, more research is needed in the field of taste.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Smell; Taste; Taste Disorders
PubMed: 34052923
DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_471 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Nov 2021The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the association between olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment and disease severity and radiological findings in... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the association between olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment and disease severity and radiological findings in coronavirus disease-2019. The secondary goal was to assess the prevalence, severity and course of olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.
METHOD
This prospective observational cohort study evaluated patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 between April 1 and 1 May 2020. Olfactory dysfunction and taste impairment were evaluated by two questionnaires. Chest computed tomography findings and coronavirus disease-2019 severity were assessed.
RESULTS
Among 133 patients, 23.3 per cent and 30.8 per cent experienced olfactory dysfunction and taste impairment, respectively, and 17.2 per cent experienced both. The mean age was 56.03 years, and 64.7 per cent were male and 35.3 per cent were female. No statistically significant association was found between olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.706) and taste impairment (p = 0.35) with either disease severity or chest computed tomography grading.
CONCLUSION
Olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment does not have prognostic importance in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.
Topics: Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Olfaction Disorders; Prevalence; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Taste Disorders; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34496986
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121002425