Our study aims to determine the prevalence of anosmia in patients SARS-Cov-2/Covid-19
      infection (both by symptom reporting and smell testing), the efficacy of early olfactory
      training for the treatment of anosmia caused by infection and the long-term impact of smell
      dysfunction with a one-year follow-up.

Anosmia and Covid-19

Anosmia

SARS CoV 2 Infection

Around 10-15% of patients with acquired anosmia have Post Viral Olfactory Loss (PVOL).
      Coronaviruses are a known cause for anosmia. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports
      from China, South Korea, US and Europe suggest that a significant proportion of COVID-19
      patients describe a loss of smell and taste as the only symptoms or as part of mild flu-like
      symptoms. It is now well-established that these symptoms are important components of the
      COVID-19 sequelae with persistent dysfunction described in a subset of individuals.

      For this study, individuals, mainly comprising mainly healthcare workers in the UK, with
      persistent and sudden loss of sense of smell (at least 4 weeks) were recruited to ascertain
      the prevalence of COVID-19 associated smell dysfunction. A positive COVID-19 test was not a
      requirement for participation if not readily available nor accessible, however, information
      regarding COVID-19 antigen and antibody testing was collected post-hoc from those for who
      data are readily available. All participants (n=227) underwent initial psychophysical smell
      testing using the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT), gustatory testing using Taste
      Strips and completed the Smell Qx questionnaire. This questionnaire collected relevant
      demographic information, medical history, details of COVID-19 symptoms experienced, as well
      as information on olfactory and gustatory function, including those related to
      quality-of-life.

      Participants, who scored 8 or below on the BSIT (indicative of semi-quantitative smell loss)
      were further invited to participate in the early olfactory training randomized controlled
      trial. Participants were randomized to undergo either 12 weeks of olfactory training or
      receive safety information. At the end of the 12-weeks, participants completed a follow-up
      BSIT and survey.

      All participants enrolled at baseline within the eligible timeframe, for whom a valid email
      address was available, were further invited to participate in 1 year follow-up assessments.
      This included all participants irrespective of baseline BSIT result and RCT participation.
      The follow-up included a final electronic survey and BSIT. In addition to questions related
      to their sense of smell, which were identical to those in the baseline and 12-week follow-up
      surveys, participants were also asked about any symptoms of long-Covid.

Olfactory Training

SARS-CoV-2 Infection/Covid-19 and Anosmia - Prevalence Study, Molecular Analysis and Clinical Trial

The absolute difference between the intervention and control arms in BSIT score smell improvement, measured as a change from baseline at 12-weeks.

Within subject changes to scoring of questionnaire quality of life items at 12-weeks compared to baseline

Participant compliance to olfactory training through anecdotal reporting

Safety of the use of Sniffin' Sticks through anecdotal reporting

12 weeks of observation, safety information provided

Anosmia and Covid-19

About this trial

Study ID

Status

Type

Phase

Placebo

Accepting

Not accepting

Trial Timing

What is this trial about?

What are the participation requirements?

Locations

Location

Status