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Oral Diseases Nov 2022
Topics: Humans; Ageusia; COVID-19; Anosmia; Olfaction Disorders
PubMed: 35871489
DOI: 10.1111/odi.14322 -
Der Nervenarzt Jun 2021In recent months various disorders and diseases of the peripheral nerves (including cranial nerves) and the musculature have been described in association with the... (Review)
Review
In recent months various disorders and diseases of the peripheral nerves (including cranial nerves) and the musculature have been described in association with the pulmonary disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the first part of our review the current knowledge about a potential association of a SARS-CoV‑2 infection with dysfunction and diseases of cranial and peripheral nerves is discussed. Anosmia, ageusia, motor cranial nerve involvement and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) were described in a temporal association with a SARS-CoV‑2 infection. Several studies could show that anosmia and ageusia were frequent symptoms of a SARS-CoV‑2 infection. In contrast the failure of other cranial nerves has so far only been sporadically described. A number of case reports and case series indicate a causal association between a SARS-CoV‑2 infection and GBS but epidemiological evidence is still lacking.
Topics: Ageusia; COVID-19; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Humans; Peripheral Nerves; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33770191
DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01094-0 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Oct 2020Headache is the most common COVID-19-related neurological symptom. We aimed to reveal diagnostic clues of headache for COVID-19 infection and to investigate the course...
BACKGROUND
Headache is the most common COVID-19-related neurological symptom. We aimed to reveal diagnostic clues of headache for COVID-19 infection and to investigate the course of primary headaches during the pandemic.
METHODS
We developed a detailed web-based questionnaire screening the characteristics and course of headaches besides clinical COVID-19 features. The participants were grouped according to being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection or not, and having previous or new-onset headaches. The COVID-19 related headache features and their associations with other clinical features were investigated. A binary logistic regression model was performed to differentiate the characteristics of headache related to COVID-19.
FINDINGS
A total of 3458 participants (2341 females;67.7%, 1495 healthcare workers;43.2%) with a mean age of 43.21 ± 11.2 years contributed to the survey. Among them, 262 participants had COVID-19 diagnosis and 126 (48.1%) were male. The rate of males in the group without COVID-19 was 31% (991 out of 3196 participants) showing significant gender difference between groups (p < 0.000). COVID-19 related headaches were more closely associated with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints (p < 0.000 and p < 0.000), and showed different characteristics like pulsating, pressing, and even stabbing quality. Logistic regression analyses showed that bilateral headache, duration over 72 h, analgesic resistance and having male gender were significant variables to differentiate COVID-19 positive patients from those without COVID-19 (p = 0.04 for long duration and p < 0.000 for others). A worsening of previous primary headaches due to the pandemic-related problems was not reported in the majority of patients.
INTERPRETATION
Bilateral, long-lasting headaches, resistance to analgesics and having male gender were more frequent in people with COVID-19 in conjunction with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints. These features may be helpful for diagnosing the headache related to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Topics: Adult; Ageusia; Analgesics; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Diarrhea; Female; Headache; Health Personnel; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Olfaction Disorders; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33050880
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-020-01188-1 -
SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine 2021Because most cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not severe, understanding the epidemiology of mild cases has important clinical implications. We aimed to...
Because most cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not severe, understanding the epidemiology of mild cases has important clinical implications. We aimed to describe the symptom profile and associated outcomes in a virtual outpatient COVID-19 clinic. We conducted a prospective cohort study from March through June 2020. We included 106 patients with positive results for SARS-CoV-2, followed up until they had 2 sequential negative tests. Exploratory regression analyses identified potential prognostic symptoms or risk factors associated with outcomes, including emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and time to resolution of viral shedding. The mean (range) patient age was 51 (18-86) years, 50% were men, and 36.5% had at least 1 risk factor, most commonly asthma (16%) and diabetes (10%). Most patients (98.1%) had symptoms-cough (80.4%), fatigue (67.6%), fever (66.0%), headache (49.0%), and ageusia (46.9%). Nine (8.5%) patients were admitted to the ED, 5 (4.7%) were hospitalized, and none died. Asthma (RR = 7.13, = .001) and being immunocompromised (RR = 3.44, = .03) were associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes. Asthma (HR = 0.56, = .04) and early symptoms of ageusia (HR= 0.50, = .01) or myalgia (HR = 0.63, = .04) were associated with significantly longer duration of viral shedding. In contrast to reports about severe cases of COVID-19, we found a higher incidence of sinus symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and myalgia and a lower incidence of fever, anosmia, and ageusia among our mild/moderate cases. Asthma and immunocompromised status were associated with adverse outcomes, and asthma and early symptoms of ageusia or myalgia with significantly longer duration of viral shedding.
PubMed: 33469566
DOI: 10.1007/s42399-021-00746-1 -
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health Aug 2021Among Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations, Olfactory (OD) and Gustatory (GD) Dysfunctions (OGD) have drawn considerable attention, becoming a sort of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Among Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations, Olfactory (OD) and Gustatory (GD) Dysfunctions (OGD) have drawn considerable attention, becoming a sort of hallmark of the disease. Many have speculated on the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of these disturbances; however, no definite answers have been produced on the topic. With this systematic review, we aimed to collect all the available evidence regarding the prevalence of OGD, the timing of their onset and their resolution, their rate of recovery and their role as diagnostic and prognostic tools for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
METHODS
A systematic review comprising all the observational studies that reported the prevalence and/or the longitudinal trajectories of OGD in COVID-19 patients, as self-reported by patients or measured through objective psychophysical tests.
RESULTS
After the selection process, 155 studies were included, with a total of 70,920 patients and 105,291 not-infected individuals. Prevalence reports were extremely variable across studies, with wide ranges for OD (0%-98%) and GD (0-89%) prevalence. OGD occurred early during the disease course and only rarely preceded other symptoms; out of 30 studies with a follow-up time of at least 20 days, only in 5 studies OGD fully resolved in more than 90% of patients. OGD had low sensitivity and high specificity for SARS-CoV-2 infection; accuracy of OD and GD for infection identification was higher than 80% in 10 out of 33 studies and in 8 out of 22 studies considered, respectively. 28 out of 30 studies that studied the association between OGD and disease severity found how OGD were associated with lower rates of severe pneumonia, hospitalization and mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
OGD seem to be highly prevalent in SARS-CoV-2 infection. They occur early, concomitantly with other symptoms and often persist after recovery, in some cases for months; whether a full recovery eventually occurs in all cases is not clear yet. OGD are good predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with a milder disease course.
PubMed: 34027497
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100268 -
Cells Feb 2022Among the first clinical symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is olfactory−gustatory deficit; this continues for weeks and, in some cases, can be persistent. We...
Among the first clinical symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is olfactory−gustatory deficit; this continues for weeks and, in some cases, can be persistent. We prospectively evaluated 162 patients affected by COVID-19 using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal and olfactory−gustatory symptoms. Patients were checked after 7, 14, 21, 28, 90, and 180 days. A total of 118 patients (72.8%) reported an olfactory VAS < 7 at baseline (group B), and 44 (27.2%) reported anosmia (VAS ≥ 7) (group A) and underwent the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) and Burghart Taste Strips (BTS) to quantify the deficit objectively and repeated the tests to confirm the sense recovery. Group A patients showed B-SIT anosmia and hyposmia in 44.2% and 55.8% of cases, respectively. A total of 88.6% of group A patients reported ageusia with VAS ≥ 7, and BTS confirmed 81.8% of ageusia and 18.2% of hypogeusia. VAS smell recovery was recorded starting from 14 days, with normalization at 28 days. The 28-day B-SIT score showed normosmia in 90.6% of group A patients. The mean time for full recovery (VAS = 0) was shorter in group B (22.9 days) than in group A (31.9 days). Chemosensory deficit is frequently the first symptom in patients with COVID-19, and, in most cases, recovery occurs after four weeks.
Topics: Ageusia; Anosmia; COVID-19; Humans; Olfaction Disorders; SARS-CoV-2; Smell; Taste
PubMed: 35269410
DOI: 10.3390/cells11050788 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Nov 2020Similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)... (Review)
Review
Similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has neurological symptoms. COVID-19 patients have such clinical symptoms as headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, myalgia, anosmia, ageusia, and disorder of consciousness. These symptoms confirm that the nervous system is involved in the COVID-19 infection. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a heterogeneous disorder which often follows a viral infection. According to the assessment case reports from the beginning of the COVID-19 infection so far, it is possible that GBS is linked to the COVID-19 infection. It seems that paying attention to the neurological effects of COVID-19 is necessary.
Topics: COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Female; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Humans; Male; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral
PubMed: 32876777
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04693-y -
Otolaryngology Case Reports Mar 2021COVID-19 in children has a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death. The recognition of COVID-19 in children...
OBJECTIVE
COVID-19 in children has a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death. The recognition of COVID-19 in children has been challenging due to overlap with symptoms of common respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections. We describe isolated sudden anosmia and ageusia as an uncommon clinical presentation of a child with COVID-19.
METHODS
Chart of a 17-year-old male referred to a tertiary care pediatric hospital for assessment of anosmia and ageusia was reviewed. Data included relevant history and physical examination, diagnostic work up, and management.
RESULTS
The child presented with sudden anosmia and ageusia for 3 months. The patient did not have symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal infection. There was no history of trauma. Examination of the ears, nose, and throat were all unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging documented the presence of both olfactory bulbs and olfactory sulci. SARS-CoV-2 IgG test was positive. Anosmia was confirmed by The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test with a score of 27.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical picture of our patient represents a non-classical presentation of COVID-19 in a child. Clinicians should be cognizant about uncommon presentations of COVID-19 in previously asymptomatic children.
PubMed: 34957358
DOI: 10.1016/j.xocr.2021.100267 -
Trends in Food Science & Technology Apr 2022Recently, anosmia and ageusia (and their variations) have been reported as frequent symptoms of COVID-19. Olfactory and gustatory stimuli are essential in the perception...
BACKGROUND
Recently, anosmia and ageusia (and their variations) have been reported as frequent symptoms of COVID-19. Olfactory and gustatory stimuli are essential in the perception and pleasure of eating. Disorders in sensory perception may influence appetite and the intake of necessary nutrients when recovering from COVID-19. In this short commentary, taste and smell disorders were reported and correlated for the first time with food science.
SCOPE AND APPROACH
The objective of this short commentary is to report that taste and smell disorders resulted from COVID-19 may impact eating pleasure and nutrition. It also points out important technologies and trends that can be considered and improved in future studies.
KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
Firmer food textures can stimulate the trigeminal nerve, and more vibrant colors are able to increase the modulation of brain metabolism, stimulating pleasure. Allied to this, encapsulation technology enables the production of new food formulations, producing agonist and antagonist agents to trigger or block specific sensations. Therefore, opportunities and innovations in the food industry are wide and multidisciplinary discussions are needed.
PubMed: 35039714
DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.01.022 -
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Sep 2020In 2020 a new pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is affecting the lives of millions of patients and healthcare workers worldwide. The clinical picture of this...
In 2020 a new pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is affecting the lives of millions of patients and healthcare workers worldwide. The clinical picture of this infection is in a dynamic process of discovery, and more symptoms emerge as the clinicians observe and diagnose manifestations that affect multiple organs. Anosmia (loss of smell), and ageusia (loss of taste) become more frequently cited as independent symptoms or in association with the most common manifestations of the disease, such as fever, cough and dyspnea. A thorough screening program will prevent most nosocomial and community-acquired infections by promoting efficient triage and specific measures such as isolation of the patients. Therefore, it is important to include frequent symptoms in the anamnesis and questionnaires to select those patients who might benefit from testing, isolation, and treatment. This study summarizes the existing data regarding the association of anosmia and ageusia with the SARS-CoV-2 infection. It also aims to describe manifestations of these, particularly in the clinical picture of all symptomatic patients.
PubMed: 32765712
DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8808