The Effects of Persistent Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions on Quality of Life in Long-COVID-19 Patients.

Luigi Angelo Vaira,Andrea Biglio,Giovanni Salzano,Jerome R Lechien,Federico Biglioli,Giovanna Deiana,Giacomo De Riu,Claudia Gessa,Sven Saussez,Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo,Claire Hopkins,Pasquale Piombino,Fabio Maglitto,Valentina Parma

doi:10.3390/life12020141

Abstract

(1) Background: Persistent olfactory (POD) and gustatory (PGD) dysfunctions are one of the most frequent symptoms of long-Coronavirus Disease 2019 but their effect on the quality of life (QoL) of patients is still largely unexplored. (2) Methods: An online survey was administered to individuals who reported to have had SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 6 months prior with persisting COVID-19 symptoms (using the COVID symptom index), including ratings of POD and PGD, and their physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) components of quality of life were assessed using the standardized short form 12 questionnaire (SF-12). (3) Results: Responses from 431 unique individuals were included in the analyses. The most frequent persistent symptoms were: fatigue (185 cases, 42.9%), olfactory dysfunction (127 cases, 29.5%), gustatory dysfunction (96 cases, 22.3%) and muscle pain (83 cases, 19.3%). Respondents who reported persisting muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, and dyspnea had significantly worse PCS. Those experiencing persistent fatigue and dyspnea also showed significantly lower MCS. Respondents reporting POD or PGD showed significantly worse QoL, but only pertaining to the MCS. Multiple regressions predicted MCS based on olfactory and marginally on gustatory ratings, but not PCS. Age significantly affected the prediction of PCS but not MCS, and gender and temporal distance from the COVID-19 diagnosis had no effect. (4) Conclusions: POD and PGD are frequent symptoms of the long-COVID-19 syndrome and significantly reduce QoL, specifically in the mental health component. This evidence should stimulate the establishment of appropriate infrastructure to support individuals with persistent CD, while research on effective therapies scales up.

Highlights

Persistent olfactory (POD) and gustatory (PGD) dysfunctions, together known as chemosensory dysfunction (CD), are among the most frequent symptoms of long-Coronavirus Disease2019 [1]
quality of life (QoL) measured via self-reports was significantly higher among individuals post-COVID-19 who reported persistent fatigue, but not CD [35]. To fill this gap here we investigate the associations between physical- and mentalhealth-related QoL scores and the persistence of various symptoms at least 6 months after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection
POD and PGD are a frequent symptom of the long-COVID-19 syndrome and significantly reduce QoL, in the mental health component

Summary

Introduction

Persistent olfactory (POD) and gustatory (PGD) dysfunctions, together known as chemosensory dysfunction (CD), are among the most frequent symptoms of long-Coronavirus Disease. Show high prevalence of persistent CD in up to 67% of participants who had a symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The integrity of the olfactory and gustatory perception provides key support to well-being significantly impacting nutrition, social behavior and the ability to protect oneself from environmental dangers [17]. While there is sufficient evidence to indicate that CD is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) [23,24,25], on the other hand the effects of CD on the QoL of patients with long-COVID-19 remain significantly underexplored. Burges Watson et al [26]

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Conclusion