Assessment of Olfactory dysfunction in SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Objective assessment of olfactory dysfunction and impact on quality of life in SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection using the UPSIT, eQOD and SNOT-22 questionnaires: A prospective observational cohort study.
IRAS ID
283859
Contact name
Ekpemi Irune
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
A multitude of patients with COVID-19 infection have reported reduced (hyposmia or microsmia) or complete loss of sense of smell (anosmia) as the first and sometimes, only symptom. In addition, patients who have been diagnosed and treated for COVID-19 infection complain of persistent alteration in their sense of smell.
This study aims to measure its presence with a test, how severe it gets and how long it takes to settle down. The study also tries to determine if there is a relationship between how severe the loss of sense of smell is with the severity of the COVID-19 infection. This may allow us identify patients at risk when they first present to their doctors or A&E. We will also utilise questionnaires to demonstrate the impact of this dysfunction of sense of smell on patient quality of life. These tests and questionnaires will be undertaken at different time points over the course of 12 months.
Sense of smell is important for quality of life, taste and appetite, protection (for eg. the smell of gas/ smoke), dignity (perception of body odour) and thus, is an important symptom to investigate. Problems with one's sense of smell can lead to depression, social isolation, affecting work life and personal relationships. These patients also attend more hospital appointments and undergo unnecessary and expensive investigations.
This knowledge will facilitate the development of guidelines for the future clinical investigation and management of olfactory dysfunction in this patient population. It will also inform resource allocation and reduce the financial burden on the NHS.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0231
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion