Unravelling anosmia, ageusia and clinical presentations in hospitalized Taiwanese patients with COVID-19: Insights and Implications

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients presenting with anosmia and/or ageusia symptoms. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study among 231 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Taiwan from April 2021 to July 2021. Detailed initial clinical symptoms, dyspnea grading, laboratory investigations, and admission outcomes were analyzed to elucidate the significance of anosmia and/or ageusia. Results Cough, fever, and dyspnea were the most common symptoms, while anosmia and/or ageusia accounted for only 8% of symptoms in hospitalized patients. Patients presenting with anosmia and/or ageusia had more severe initial clinical symptoms and comorbidities. A higher proportion of patients with anosmia and/or ageusia underwent initial endotracheal intubation and received emergency monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 than those without these symptoms. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of inflammatory markers between the two groups. Conclusion Our study highlights the distinct clinical presentations of anosmia and/or ageusia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Anosmia and/or ageusia could be an important predictor of disease severity and may warrant early intervention in COVID-19 patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings