Association between olfactory dysfunction and COVID-19 severity: A prospective study in a highly complex hospital in Peru

Abstract

Introduction Olfactory dysfunction has been included among the early symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Evidence suggests that a relationship exists between the duration of olfaction disorders and the probability of developing severe COVID-19. Given the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to determine the frequency of smell alteration and its association with the severity of COVID-19 in a referral hospital in Peru, which is one of the most affected countries in the Latin American region. Materials and Methods This study was an observational, prospective cohort study that included patients with COVID-19 who were treated at the Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins from August to November 2020. To assess the association, the chi-square test of independence or Fisher’s exact test was performed. The outcome variable was COVID-19 severity, and the exposure variable was olfactory dysfunction. The first data collection was in the emergency department and the follow-up was via telephone. Results A total of 179 patients were included. The mean age was 61.6 ± 15.5 years, and 129 patients (72.1%) were male. Olfactory dysfunction was observed in 43 patients (24%). An inverse association was found between age and olfactory dysfunction ( P = .002). No significant association was found between COVID-19 severity level and olfactory alteration ( P = .056). However, a direct association was found between COVID-19 severity and age ( P = .003), cough ( P < .001), and respiratory distress ( P = .003). Conclusion This study did not find any association between the severity of COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction. It showed a low incidence rate of smell alteration compared with studies from other regions. Moreover, smell alteration was associated with younger age.

Pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Nasal Respiratory and Olfactory Epithelia and Its Clinical Impact

“…On the other hand, several other studies [102][103][104][105] found no association between the OD and disease severity. This may purely be due to recall bias, where patients with severe COVID-19 may be less cognizant of OD due to the presence of more bothersome symptoms such as dyspnoea [4].…”

Profil Pasien COVID-19 dengan Gangguan Penghidu di RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang Periode 1 Januari - 31 Desember 2021

“…21 Dalam beberapa penelitian, tidak ada perbedaan jenis kelamin yang memengaruhi fungsi penghidu selama infeksi COVID-19. 22 Pada dasarnya, kedua jenis kelamin menujukkan besarnya gangguan penghidu yang sama sebagaimana yang telah diukur oleh UPSIT. Hal ini menyatakan bahwa sejauh mana COVID-19 merusak sistem penghidu tidak bergantung pada jenis kelamin.…”