Smell and taste alterations in Covid‐19: a cross‐sectional analysis of different cohorts

Paderno, Alberto; Schreiber, Alberto; Grammatica, Alberto; Raffetti, Elena; Tomasoni, Michele; Gualtieri, Tommaso; Taboni, Stefano; Zorzi, Silvia; Lombardi, Davide; Deganello, Alberto; Redaelli De Zinis, Luca Oscar; Maroldi, Roberto; Mattavelli, Davide

BACKGROUND: : Olfactory (OD) and gustatory (GD) dysfunction have been proven to be a typical symptom of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, their prevalence in different patient populations still needs to be clarified. 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). RESULTS: : 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 A, the prevalence of OD and GD was 44% (38‐50%) and 52% (46‐58%). 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). CONCLUSIONS: : OD and GD are more prevalent in home‐quarantined subjects, and they are independently associated with younger age and female gender. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved