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Sensorineural Smell and Taste Alterations Are Highly Suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Cross-Sectional Study in an Epidemic Area
49 Pages Posted: 7 May 2020
More...Abstract
Background: Preliminary reports have described a relevant prevalence of olfactory (OD) and gustatory (GD) dysfunctions in Covid-19.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from March 27 to April 1 2020 in Northern Italy. Physicians administered a survey-based questionnaire to SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with the aim of assessing symptoms, focusing on OD and GD. Two groups were studied: patients hospitalized at ASST Spedali Civili University Hospital of Brescia (A); home-quarantined subjects (B).
Findings: A total of 508 patients were enrolled: 295 in Group A and 213 in Group B. Mean age (±SD) was 55±15 years; 56% were men. Overall, OD and GD were present in 56% (95% CI 51-60%) and 63% (59-67%) of cases, respectively. In Group B, the prevalence of OD and GD was 72% (65-79%) and 79% (73-84%). In the entire cohort, total loss of olfaction and taste was reported in 64% and 60% of cases, respectively. OD and GD occurred as the first symptom in 10% and 11% of cases; in the remaining cases, they occurred after a mean of 4±3 days following the first symptom. At the time of the questionnaire, complete resolution of OD and GD was reported in 52% and 55% of cases (mean duration: 9±5 in both).
Interpretation: Data on a large series of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in an epidemic area demonstrates that OD and GD are highly prevalent in Covid-19. This information may help to guide infection control practices and improve containment policies.
Funding Statement: None.
Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Ethics Approval Statement: All subjects signed an informed consent form approved by the institutional review board. The study was performed following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Research Review Board, Ethics Committee, of the ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy (study reference number: NP4037).
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus; Taste; Smell; Guastatory; Olfactory; Anosmia; Ageusia; Symptoms
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation