Background The prevalence of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients is highly variable between different studies, ranging from 5.6% in the Asian population to 86% in the European population. The study aimed to detect the prevalence and the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in an Egyptian tertiary care center. A total of 579 hospitalized patients were enrolled. Demographic data as well as upper respiratory tract symptoms including olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and other risk factors were documented. Then the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions after 6 months was followed up. Results 50.6% had olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions (24.2% had a total smell and taste loss). A logistic regression analysis revealed a statistical significance between olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and female gender and presence. Most patients (88.4%) reported partial or complete recovery during the 6 months (28.0% and 60.4%, respectively), while 11.6% of patients did not recover. The median time to start recovery was 3 days, and the median time to the best recovery was 22 days. Conclusions Olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions should be recognized for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Most recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection starts within 3 days and reaches the best recovery within 19 to 24 days. Female gender and the presence of general symptoms are associated with olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in the hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Introduction:Viruses are identified to lead to neurological manifestation, like anosmia, facial paralysis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Throughout the preceding SARS epidemic, corona-viruses were stated be accompanied with losses of smell and taste senses because of neural injuries. Aim: This research aims to study the existence of (SARS-CoV-2) in cases with only SSHNL throughout the COVID19 pandemic and effectiveness on intratympanic steroid injections on development of cases. Methods: This work involved 20-cases with the single complaint of unilateral SSNHL to the otolaryngology out-patient clinics. The cases were directed to be assessed for SARS-CoV-2 by real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) test. Cases received systemic steroids, intratympanic steroids or combined and were then audiologically assessed. Results: RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 13 cases. A positive responding to COVID19-definite therapy in the SARS-CoV-2 positive SSNHL cases has been observed. Most of cases received intratympanic steroids showed significant improvement than non-received (p=0.005). Also, cases received combined intratympanic and systemic steroids showed significant improvement than non-received (p=0.021), while improvement in cases received systemic steroids or vasodilators showed no statistical significant difference than non-received (p=0.306 and 0.595, respectively). Conclusion: It must be recalled that nonspecific signs like SSNHL can be the only symptom with which to know a COVID19 case. Recognition of such nonspecific presentations of COVID19 cases is crucial throughout this pandemic time for avoiding infectious spreading via isolations and early initiations of COVID19 targeted therapy.

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Introduction: Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is considered a mortal disease induced by fungi. Mucormycosis is mostly found in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, who performed organ transplantation, or in malignancy due to the immunocompromised state of these patients. Surgical intervention must be done, and better to do aggressive debridement for all involved tissues to attack the fungal load. Adjuvant therapies can be used, and among which is hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). Aim: This study aims to prove the effectiveness of HBOT in cases of Rhinoorbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and whether it affects the outcome. Patients and Methods:The present study involved twelve patients presented by ROCM in the ENT Department, at Ain Shams University Hospital. Half of them received HBO in the hyperbaric chamber, while the other half were not treated with HBO. Results: Our results revealed the effectiveness of HBO as an adjunct therapy improving the outcome when it was added to both surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. Conclusion: HBOT can act as an adjunct therapy together with antifungal treatment and surgical debridement to improve the outcome in the treatment of ROCM.

Background Mucormycosis is a serious life-threatening fungal infection that recently made severe sudden and devastating surge during the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic with a mortality rate of up to 50%. Although the causality link between COVID-19 and rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) remains unclear, many factors including poor diabetes control, high doses of steroids, viral-induced lymphopenia, and cytokine storm have been attributed to ROCM in patients with COVID-19. Orienting to risk factors and early recognition of this potentially fatal opportunistic infection is the key to optimal management and improved outcomes. In these contexts, we conducted a prospective study for 33 patients admitted to our tertiary hospital to determine the risk factors for ROCM in patients with COVID-19 and the cumulative mortality rates. Results This study found a statistically significant relation between the fate of death in COVID-MUCOR patients who had presented fever, ophthalmoplegia, facial skin necrosis, and visual loss with those who received dose of steroid to control their respiratory symptoms P < 0.001. Death from COVID-MUCOR was statistically significant related to the prolonged interval from the onset of the symptoms to start of treatment and intervention. Also, it was found that there was a significant decrease in duration between COVID-19 infection and the start of mucormycosis (days) with incidence of DKA on admission. Nineteen (57.6%) of the patients had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) of > 7.0%). Conclusion Mucormycosis epidemic was precipitated by a unique confluence of risk factors: diabetes mellitus, widespread use of steroids, and perhaps SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. Restricting steroid use in patients with severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy, and screening for and optimally controlling hyperglycemia, can prevent COVID-MUCOR in a large majority.