Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are common symptoms in patients with COVID-19

Objectives:
What is the pooled global prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients with the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Study design:
This review article included 10 studies, analysed olfactory dysfunction (n = 1,627) and 9 studies, analysed gustatory dysfunction (n = 1,390).

Results and conclusions:   
The investigators found a 52.73% [95% CI = 29.64% to 75.23%] prevalence of olfactory dysfunction among patients with COVID-19.

The investigators found a 43.93% [95% CI = 20.46% to 68.95%] prevalence of gustatory dysfunction among patients with COVID-19.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses a 36.64% [95% CI = 18.31% to 57.24%] prevalence of olfactory dysfunction using nonvalidated instruments among patients with COVID-19.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses a 86.60% [95% CI = 72.95% to 95.95%] prevalence of olfactory dysfunction using validated instruments among patients with COVID-19.

The investigators concluded olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are common symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and may represent early symptoms in the clinical course of infection. Increased awareness of this fact may encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment, as well as heighten vigilance for viral transmission.

Original title:
The Prevalence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Tong JY, Wong A, […], Tham T.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32369429

Additional information of El Mondo:
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