Acute‐onset smell and taste disorders in the context of COVID‐19: a pilot multicentre polymerase chain reaction based case–control study

• DOI: 10.1111/ene.14273
• Publication Date: 2020-04-22T19:48:17Z
• Authors: Á. Beltrán‐Corbel...; J. L. Chico‐García; J. Martínez‐Poles; F. Rodríguez‐Jorge; E. Natera‐Villalba; J. Gómez‐Corral; A. Gómez‐López; E. Monreal; P. Parra‐Díaz; J. L. Cortés‐Cuevas; J. C. Galán; C. Fragola‐Arnau; J. Porta‐Etessam; J. Masjuan; A. Alonso‐Cánovas
• Keywords: Anosmia; Taste disorder; Concomitant; Dysgeusia

Specific respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STDs) with increased frequency. The aim was to determine whether new-onset STDs are more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients.This a case-control study hospitalized of two tertiary care centres. Consecutive positive for polymerase chain reaction (cases) and (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing self-reported STD questionnaire.Seventy-nine cases 40 controls included. No significant differences found in basal features between the groups. New-onset significantly (31, 39.2%) group (5, 12.5 %) [adjusted odds ratio 21.4 (2.77-165.4, P = 0.003)]. younger without (52.6 ± 17.2 vs. 67.4 15.1, < 0.001). Amongst who presented STDs, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset it initial manifestation 11 (35.5%). Twenty-five (80.6%) (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%) 28 (90.3%) ageusia, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 reported concomitant nasal obstruction. mean duration 7.5 3.2 days 12 (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 2.3 onset.New-onset patients; they usually had commonly manifestation. use assessment anamnesis as hint support individuals' self-isolation current epidemic context is suggested.