Association between Administration of Systemic Corticosteroids and the Recovery of Olfactory and/or Gustatory Functions in Patients with COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

AIM: This study is a prospective cohort study aimed to assess the effect of systemic corticosteroids administration time in the recovery of gustatory and olfactory sensations dysfunction (ageusia and anosmia) in COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven COVID-19 patients with symptoms of ageusia and anosmia were recruited (that their COVID infection was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction). Daily 10 mg of systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in the 1st week and then reduced to 5 mg in the 2nd week to all the patients to observe taste and smell sensation recovery. All data were recorded and then analyzed. Patients were then grouped into two groups (early and late groups) according to the duration of their taste and smell dysfunction. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that early corticosteroid administration resulted in a significant decrease in recovery time of ageusia and anosmia (0.27 [0.2–0.35], p < 0.001). Patients in the early administration group (<1 week) showed faster improvement in regaining taste and smell functions than in the late administration group (>1 week) with significant difference (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of systemic corticosteroids in early phases of covid-19 infection help in faster recovery of ageusia and anosmia.