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Performance of a cost-effective olfactory test to evaluate hyposmia in Parkinson's disease patients.Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria May 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) causes motor and non-motor symptoms such as hyposmia, which is evaluated through olfactory tests in the clinical practice.
BACKGROUND
Parkinson's disease (PD) causes motor and non-motor symptoms such as hyposmia, which is evaluated through olfactory tests in the clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of using the modified Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (mCCCRC) olfactory test and to compare its performance with the Sniffin' Sticks-12 (SS-12, Burghart Messtechnik GmbH, Wedel, Germany) test.
METHODS
A transversal case-control study in which the patients were divided into the PD group (PDG) and the control group (CG). The cost and difficulty in handling substances to produce the mCCCRC test kits were evaluated. Sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, past coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, self-perception of odor sense, and cognition through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were also evaluated. The PDG was scored by part III of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) and the Hoehn and Yahr Scale (H&Y) scale. Correlations were assessed through the Spearman rank correlation coefficient test (ρ, or rho).
RESULTS
The mCCCRC test was easily manufactured and handled at a cost ten times lower compared with the SS-12. The groups (PDG: = 34; CG: = 38) were similar in terms of age, sex, level of schooling, smoking habits, and history of COVID-19. The tests results showed moderate correlation (rho = 0.65; < 0.0001). The CG presented better cognitive performance and scored better in both tests ( < 0.0001). There was a tendency for a negative correlation with age, but good correlation with the MoCA ( = 0.0029). The results of the PDG group showed no correlation with olfactory results and motor performance or disease duration. The self-perception of hyposmia was low in both groups.
CONCLUSION
The mCCCRC is an easy-to-apply and inexpensive method that demonstrated a similar performance to that of the SS-12 in evaluating olfaction in PD patients and healthy controls.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Male; Female; Case-Control Studies; Aged; Middle Aged; COVID-19; Anosmia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Feasibility Studies; Smell; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38811023
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787139 -
Psychiatry Research Jul 2024Substance use disorder (SUD) exacerbates the impact of Long-COVID, particularly increasing the risk of taste and olfactory disorders. Analyzing retrospective cohort data...
Substance use disorder (SUD) exacerbates the impact of Long-COVID, particularly increasing the risk of taste and olfactory disorders. Analyzing retrospective cohort data from TriNetX and over 33 million records (Jan 2020-Dec 2022), this study focused on 1,512,358 participants, revealing that SUD significantly heightens the likelihood of experiencing taste disturbances and anosmia in Long-COVID sufferers. Results indicated that individuals with SUD face a higher incidence of sensory impairments compared to controls, with older adults and women being particularly vulnerable. Smokers with SUD were found to have an increased risk of olfactory and taste dysfunctions. The findings underscore the importance of early screening, diagnosis, and interventions for Long-COVID patients with a history of SUD, suggesting a need for clinicians to monitor for depression and anxiety linked to sensory dysfunction for comprehensive care.
Topics: Humans; Female; COVID-19; Male; Retrospective Studies; Substance-Related Disorders; Middle Aged; Adult; Taste Disorders; Olfaction Disorders; Aged; Anosmia; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 38810537
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115970 -
Yonago Acta Medica May 2024We report the case of a 55-year-old female with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp. Rhinosinusitis recurred 6...
We report the case of a 55-year-old female with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp. Rhinosinusitis recurred 6 months after full-house endoscopic sinus surgery. Although conventional treatment with azathioprine and mepolizumab with steroids was given, it was difficult to simultaneously control both rhinosinusitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Clinical examinations showed polyps in the olfactory cleft, and the patient's anosmia gradually became persistent. Even after administering mepolizumab for a certain period of time, symptoms did not improve, but when the biologic agent was switched to dupilumab, an improvement in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp was observed. While dupilumab was administered intermittently for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp, the rhinosinusitis improved and symptoms such as worsening of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis paresthesia were observed. Both symptoms gradually subsided 19 months after starting intermittent administration, leading to the discontinuation of dupilumab administration. Rhinosinusitis in the setting of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis may be refractory in some cases, and this case provides findings demonstrating the strong effect of dupilumab on eosinophilic inflammation.
PubMed: 38803595
DOI: 10.33160/yam.2024.05.005 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024This study aimed to identify the time to diagnosis among COVID-19 patients and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (DD). Data from COVID-19 patients in Gangwon,...
This study aimed to identify the time to diagnosis among COVID-19 patients and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (DD). Data from COVID-19 patients in Gangwon, South Korea, diagnosed between 22 February 2020 and 29 January 2022, were analyzed, excluding asymptomatic cases and those who underwent mandatory testing. DD was defined as a period exceeding 2 or more days from symptom recognition to COVID-19 diagnosis. Univariate analysis was performed to investigate the demographic characteristics, COVID-19 symptoms, and underlying medical conditions associated with DD, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis for significant variables. Among 2683 patients, 584 (21.8%) were diagnosed within a day of symptom onset. DD rates were lower in patients with febrile symptoms but higher among those with cough, myalgia, or anosmia/ageusia. High-risk underlying medical conditions were not significantly associated with DD. Older age groups, the Wonju medical service area, time of diagnosis between November 2020 and July 2021, symptom onset on nonworkdays, and individuals in nonwhite collar sectors were significantly associated with increased DD risks. These findings were consistent in the sensitivity analysis. This study underscores the need for enhanced promotion and system adjustments to ensure prompt testing upon symptom recognition.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Republic of Korea; Male; Female; Delayed Diagnosis; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38791855
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050641 -
Biomedicines May 2024Olfactory dysfunction is a well-known phenomenon in neurological diseases with anosmia and hyposmia serving as clinical or preclinical indicators of Alzheimer's disease,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Olfactory dysfunction is a well-known phenomenon in neurological diseases with anosmia and hyposmia serving as clinical or preclinical indicators of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Since glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the visual system, it may also entail alterations in olfactory function, warranting investigation into potential sensory interconnections.
METHODS
A review of the current literature of the last 15 years (from 1 April 2008 to 1 April 2023) was conducted by two different authors searching for topics related to olfaction and glaucoma.
RESULTS
three papers met the selection criteria. According to these findings, patients with POAG appear to have worse olfaction than healthy subjects. Furthermore, certain predisposing conditions to glaucoma, such as pseudoexfoliation syndrome and primary vascular dysregulation, could possibly induce olfactory changes that can be measured with the Sniffin Stick test.
CONCLUSIONS
the scientific literature on this topic is very limited, and the pathogenesis of olfactory changes in glaucoma is not clear. However, if the results of these studies are confirmed by further research, olfactory testing may be a non-invasive tool to assist clinicians in the early diagnosis of glaucoma.
PubMed: 38790964
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051002 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2024Rising global concerns about COVID-19 recently gained more research attention due to the ease of person-to-person transmission, various symptoms after healing, and the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Rising global concerns about COVID-19 recently gained more research attention due to the ease of person-to-person transmission, various symptoms after healing, and the shortage of effective antiviral therapy. The study aims to analyze post-COVID conditions and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular lesions in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
A practical examination of post-COVID conditions manifestation was conducted in a prospective cohort study, involving 250 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021. The study specifically focused on analyzing the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19, utilizing data from a subgroup of 200 patients previously discharged from the hospital with elevated troponin levels. The cardiovascular variables assessed included tachycardia, ischemia, heart attack, myocarditis, hypertension, blood clots, and heart failure.
RESULTS
It has been observed that among surviving patients, the following symptoms persisted: anosmia/ageusia (59%), severe dyspnea (36.7%), palpitations and complaints related to the cardiovascular sys-tem (15.8%), headaches (13.2%), arthralgia (11.7%), myalgia (9.8%), and hair problems (≥5%). By the 60th day, a reduction in symptoms by 5-10% was noted, and by the 90th day, a decrease in activity by 25-35% was observed. Patients aged 40-60 years exhibited the highest percentage of cardiovascular diseases (75%).
CONCLUSIONS
Consequently, the SARS-CoV-2 virus underscores the critical importance of cardiological attention in patient care. Cardiac screening results in individuals with COVID-19 reveal a significant prevalence of serious heart problems, affecting over half of the patients. This emphasizes the necessity for heightened vigilance and specialized cardiac care when managing patients with COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Prospective Studies; Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Aged; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Anosmia; Myalgia; Arthralgia; Headache; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38767072
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2024.5056 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to various health challenges, including the disruption of people's sense of smell. Olfactory disorders have been reported as a...
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to various health challenges, including the disruption of people's sense of smell. Olfactory disorders have been reported as a lingering consequence of COVID-19, with diverse patterns of smell dysfunction experienced by patients. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the impact of persistent smell disorders on the quality of life of individuals who recovered from COVID-19 in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between October 2023 and January 2024. The study included adults with a history of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection in Taif city. Data were collected using a validated online survey employing a convenience sampling technique. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), and chi-squared tests were used to assess the relationships. Results The study included 429 participants. A total of 52.7% of the respondents reported a loss of smell after recovering from COVID-19, and 14.9% reported a persistent loss of their sense of smell. The most common types of smell disorders experienced were hyposmia, anosmia, and parosmia. The study revealed emotional distress, changes in eating habits, and social impact among participants with smell disorders. Conclusion This study highlights the high prevalence of persistent smell disorders among individuals who recovered from COVID-19 in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The findings emphasize the complex nature of these disorders and their impact on patients' quality of life. This study contributes valuable information that can inform healthcare practices and support services for individuals experiencing post-COVID-19 smell disorders.
PubMed: 38765373
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58469 -
Rare Tumors 2024Sino-nasal respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAHs) are rare entity. They are benign tumors with excellent results after complete excision. We report a case...
Sino-nasal respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAHs) are rare entity. They are benign tumors with excellent results after complete excision. We report a case of a 57-year-old male with a history of endoscopic surgery for right nasal polyps 20 years ago. The patient presented nasal obstruction that persisted for 10 years without anosmia nor epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy found a tissular mass filling the right nasal cavity extending to the nasopharynx. CT scan and MRI demonstrated soft tissue opacification of the right maxillary sinus and the homolateral anterior ethmoid cells with extension to the nasal cavity. The suspected diagnosis on imaging was an Inverted papilloma with a wide implantation base on the posterior part of the nasal septum. No endocranial or orbital extension was noted. The patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with complete extirpation of the tumor and a right ethmoidectomy. Histopathological assessment showed features consistent with REAH. No recurrence was noted at 1 year follow-up.
PubMed: 38756436
DOI: 10.1177/20363613241255567 -
Lifestyle Genomics 2024Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is not uncommon following viral infection. Herein, we explore the interplay of host genetics with viral correlates in coronavirus disease 2019... (Review)
Review
Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is not uncommon following viral infection. Herein, we explore the interplay of host genetics with viral correlates in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)- and long COVID-related OD, and its diagnosis and treatment that remain challenging. Two genes associated with olfaction, UGT2A1 and UGT2A2, appear to be involved in COVID-19-related anosmia, a hallmark symptom of acute infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), particularly in the early stages of the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 infects olfactory support cells, sustentacular and Bowman gland cells, that surround olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the olfactory epithelium (OE) where the initial step of odor detection takes place. Anosmia primarily arises from the infection of support cells of the OE, followed by the deciliation and disruption of OE integrity, typically without OSN infection. Through the projected axons of OSNs, the virus could theoretically reach the olfactory bulb and brain, but current evidence points against this route. Intriguingly, SARS-CoV-2 infection of support cells leads to profound alterations in the nuclear architecture of OSNs, leading to the downregulation of odorant receptor-related genes, e.g., of Adcy3. Viral factors associated with the development of OD include spike protein aminoacidic changes, e.g., D614G, the first substitution that was selected early during SARS-CoV-2 evolution. More recent variants of the Omicron family are less likely to cause OD compared to Delta or Alpha, although OD has been associated with a milder disease course. OD is one of the most prevalent post-acute neurologic symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tens of millions of people worldwide who have lingering problems with OD wait eagerly for effective new treatments that will restore their sense of smell which adds value to their quality of life.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Olfaction Disorders; Anosmia; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Olfactory Mucosa; Olfactory Receptor Neurons
PubMed: 38749402
DOI: 10.1159/000539292 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Many of those infected with COVID-19 experience long-term disability due to persistent symptoms known as Long-COVID, which include ongoing respiratory issues, loss of...
BACKGROUND
Many of those infected with COVID-19 experience long-term disability due to persistent symptoms known as Long-COVID, which include ongoing respiratory issues, loss of taste and smell, and impaired daily functioning.
RESEARCH QUESTION
This study aims to better understand the chronology of long-COVID symptoms.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
We prospectively enrolled 403 adults from the University of Iowa long-COVID clinic (June 2020 to February 2022). Participants provided symptom data during acute illness, symptom progression, and other clinical characteristics. Patients in this registry received a survey containing questions including current symptoms and status since long-COVID diagnosis (sliding status scale, PHQ2, GAD2, MMRC). Those >12 months since acute-COVID diagnosis had chart review done to track their symptomology.
RESULTS
Of 403 participants contacted, 129 (32%) responded. The mean age (in years) was 50.17 +/-14.28, with 31.8% male and 68.2% female. Severity of acute covid treatment was stratified by treatment in the outpatient (70.5%), inpatient (16.3%), or ICU (13.2%) settings. 51.2% reported subjective improvement (sliding scale scores of 67-100) since long-COVID onset. Ages 18-29 reported significantly higher subjective status scores. Subjective status scores were unaffected by severity. 102 respondents were >12 months from their initial COVID-19 diagnosis and were tracked for longitudinal symptom persistence. All symptoms tracked had variance (mean fraction 0.58, range 0.34-0.75) in the reported symptoms at the time of long-COVID presentation when compared with patient survey report. 48 reported persistent dyspnea, 23 (48%) had resolved it at time of survey. For fatigue, 44 had persistence, 12 (27%) resolved.
INTERPRETATION
Overall, 51.2% respondents improved since their long-COVID began. Pulmonary symptoms were more persistent than neuromuscular symptoms (anosmia, dysgeusia, myalgias). Gender, time since acute COVID infection, and its severity didn't affect subjective status or symptoms. This study highlights recall bias that may be prevalent in other long-COVID research reliant on participant memory.
PubMed: 38746213
DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.24306497