{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Olfactory recovery following omicron variant infection: a psychophysical prospective case-control study with six-month follow up.
{Author}: Vaira LA;Boscolo-Rizzo P;Lechien JR;Mayo-Yáñez M;Petrocelli M;Pistidda L;Salzano G;Maglitto F;Hopkins C;De Riu G;
{Journal}: J Laryngol Otol
{Volume}: 137
{Issue}: 12
{Year}: 2023 Dec 17
{Factor}: 2.187
{DOI}: 10.1017/S0022215123000877
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of olfactory function at six months in individuals infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 omicron variant, using psychophysical tests.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A prospective case-control study that included severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 patients infected in February and March 2022 was conducted. Patients underwent the Sniffin' Sticks test within 10 days of infection and again after at least 6 months. The olfactory scores were compared with those of a control group.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>In all, 102 patients and 120 controls were enrolled in the study. At baseline, 26 patients (25.5 per cent) self-reported smell loss. The median threshold, discrimination and identification score was 33.6 (interquartile range, 12.5) for the cases and 36.5 (interquartile range, 4.38) for the controls (p < 0.001). Based on the threshold, discrimination and identification scores, 12 controls and 34 patients reported olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.001). Eighty cases underwent re-evaluation at six months; the median threshold, discrimination and identification score was 37.1 (interquartile range, 4.75) with no significant differences compared with the controls.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Six months after infection, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in patients did not differ significantly from the control population.