PhD Scientific Days 2025

Health Sciences II.

Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction Associated with Pediatric COVID-19: A Prospective Registry Analysis

Name of the presenter

Garai Réka

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Pediatric Center, MTA Centre of Excellence, Bókay Unit, Semmelweis University

Authors

Dr. Garai Réka¹, Herczeg Vivien¹, Prof. Dr. Szabó Attila²

1: Pediatric Center, MTA Centre of Excellence, Bókay Unit, Semmelweis University
2: Pediatric Center, MTA Centre of Excellence, Semmelweis University

Text of the abstract

Introduction:
Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are among the most common symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and constitute hallmark features of long COVID. Although spontaneous recovery may occur and therapeutic options are available, current literature indicates that these symptoms can persist for over a year. Their clinical relevance is underscored by their association with mood disturbances, social isolation, and malnutrition.

Amis:
To assess the prevalence and one-year persistence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions associated with COVID-19 in a pediatric population. Secondary aims included the identification of factors predisposing individuals to prolonged symptoms, as well as the evaluation of subjective therapeutic efficacy in cases of olfactory dysfunction.

Methods:
A registry-based analysis was conducted involving 310 children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented to the Long COVID Outpatient Clinic at the Bókay Street Unit of the Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University, between March 2021 and March 2022.

Results:
Persistent symptoms were more commonly observed among adolescent girls (p < 0.05). Neither vaccination status, severity of the acute infection, nor history of allergy significantly influenced the persistence of olfactory or gustatory disturbances. During the acute phase, olfactory (Mean: 39.4%, 95% CI: 33.9–45.0) and gustatory disturbances (Mean: 31.6%, 95% CI: 26.5–37.1) were frequently reported, with significant reductions observed at one-year follow-up (olfactory: 16.1%, 95% CI: 8.0–27.7; gustatory: 17.5%, 95% CI: 9.1–29.1). Among patients with prolonged symptoms, weight loss was reported in 29.4% of those with olfactory and 33.3% of those with gustatory disturbances. Although therapeutic adherence one month after the initial visit was 38.1%, 76.2% of children reported subjective improvement in olfactory function.

Conclusion:
Olfactory and gustatory disturbances were common during the acute phase of COVID-19, particularly among adolescent girls. While these symptoms did not fully resolve in all cases, their prevalence markedly declined over the one-year follow-up period, even in the absence of targeted therapy.

SUPPORTED BY THE EKÖP-2024-230 NEW NATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM OF THE MINISTRY FOR CULTURE AND INNOVATION FROM THE SOURCE OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION FUND.