Olfactory alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This cross-sectional study involves 100 multiple sclerosis (MS) and 100 non-MS patients, under the age of 60 years old, with nasal obstruction, traumatic brain injury, previous rhinoplasty or neurosurgery, and so forth. Objective To assess olfactory function using the Connecticut test and verify correlations between olfactory alteration, disease duration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Methods One hundred MS patients and 100 healthy control patients responded to a questionnaire. Those with olfactory alteration underwent a facial CT to exclude other causes. Results Thirty-two percent of patients showed alterations, compared with 3% in the healthy control group. Patients having EDSS above 4, showed a 5.2-times increased risk of dysfunction. Patients over 38 years of age have a 2.2-times increased risk over younger patients. Conclusions Because MS patients are likely to experience olfactory alterations, this study is a useful tool in follow-up care, although more studies are necessary to evaluate the correlations in MS evolution.

A global view of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review with a focus on regional differences, methodology, and clinical implications

“…The studies on olfactory dysfunction and ocular comorbidities generally reported increased prevalence in the measured comorbidities, including odor dysfunction, intra-ocular pressure, cataracts, and glaucoma [ 73 , 78 , 79 ]. One study reported that whilst there was no overall risk of cataract in PwMS, the was significantly elevated in patients younger than 50 years of age [ 74 ].…”

Olfactory dysfunction as a prognostic marker for disability progression in Multiple Sclerosis: An olfactory event related potential study

“…Other non-longitudinal studies reported a relationship between olfactory dysfunction and disability progression. In particular, a cross-sectional study [ 7 ] found olfactory dysfunction in 32% of 100 MS patients evaluated by using the Connecticut test. In particular, patients with EDSS above 4.0 showed an increased risk of olfactory dysfunction.…”

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Olfaction

“…55 Studies have used different methodologies but associations with age, sex, 430,441,447,453 and mood disorders 429,434,435,440,441 have been observed. Association with disease activity, 427,435,437,441,442,444,445,[447][448][449][450]452,453,[457][458][459][460]462,467,468,470,471,473,474 neurological manifestations, 435,[437][438][439][440][441][442][443]445,447,450,452,453,[457][458]…”

“…Studies have used different methodologies but associations with age, sex, 430,441,447,453 and mood disorders 429,434,435,440,441 have been observed. Association with disease activity, 427,435,437,441,442,444,445,447–450,452,453,457–460,462,467,468, 470,471,473,474 neurological manifestations, 435,437–443,445,447,450, 452,453,457–460,462,463,469 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities, 435,438,443,446,450,451,455,461,476,479 and autoantibodies 435,473,476,477 have been found in different autoimmune diseases. There are only four longitudinal studies, and therefore results regarding worsening or stabilization of OD are controversial 435,457,460,462 …”