Eur J Neurol. Acute-onset smell and taste disorders in the context of Covid-19: a pilot multicenter PCR-based case-control study

[tetano]

Eur J Neurol. 2020 Apr 22. doi: 10.1111/ene.14273. [Epub ahead of print]
Acute-onset smell and taste disorders in the context of Covid-19: a pilot multicenter PCR-based case-control study.


Beltr?n-Corbellini ?¹, Chico-Garc?a JL¹, Mart?nez-Poles J^2,3, Rodr?guez-Jorge F¹, Natera-Villalba E¹, G?mez-Corral J¹, G?mez-L?pez A¹, Monreal E¹, Parra-D?az P¹, Cort?s-Cuevas JL⁴, Gal?n JC⁴, Fragola-Arnau C⁵, Porta-Etessam J^3,6, Masjuan J¹, Alonso-C?novas A¹.

Author information




Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Specific respiratory tract infections, including Covid-19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STD) with increased frequency. We aim to determine whether new-onset STD are more frequent among Covid-19 patients than influenza patients.
METHODS:

Case-control study including hospitalized patients of two tertiary care centers. Consecutive patients positive for Covid-19 PCR (cases) and patients positive for influenza PCR (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing a self-reported STD questionnaire.
RESULTS:

Seventy-nine cases and 40 controls were included. No significant differences were found in basal features between both groups. New-onset STD were significantly more frequent among cases (31, 39.2%) than in the control group (5, 12.5 %), adjusted OR 21.4 (2.77-165.4, p=0.003). Covid-19 patients with new-onset STD were significantly younger than Covid-19 patients without STD (52.6 ? 17.2 vs. 67.4 ?15.1, p<0,001). Among Covid-19 patients who presented STD, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset and was an initial manifestation in 11 (35.5%). Twenty-five (80.6%) presented smell disorders (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%), and 28 (90.3%) taste disorders (mostly ageusia, 14, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 %) reported concomitant nasal obstruction. Mean duration of STD was 7.5 ? 3.2 days and 12 patients (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 ? 2.3 days of onset.
CONCLUSION:

New-onset STD were significantly more frequent among Covid-19 patients than influenza patients, they usually had an acute onset and were commonly an initial manifestation. We suggest the use of STD assessment in anamnesis as a hint for Covid-19 and to support individuals' self-isolation in the current epidemic context.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



KEYWORDS:

PCR; case control study; coronavirus infection; smell disorders; taste disorders


PMID:32320508DOI:10.1111/ene.14273