Treatment of Postinfectious Olfactory Dysfunction Using Corticosteroids

• Published in: Ear, nose, & throat journal Vol. 103; no. 2; pp. NP108 - NP112
• Main Authors: Duan, Hong-Gang, Ji, Fang, Yan, Mao-Xiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-02-2024; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Clinical outcomes; Infections; Olfaction disorders; Otolaryngology; Steroids; corticosteroid; olfactory discrimination; postinfectious olfactory dysfunction; olfactory dysfunction; smell
• ISSN: 0145-5613; 1942-7522
• DOI: 10.1177/01455613211040368

Objective:
This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of different doses and forms of corticosteroids in the treatment of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction and to specify the factors related to the curative effects.
Methods:
The medical records of patients diagnosed with postinfectious olfactory dysfunction from January 2018 to May 2019 were reviewed. All patients received different doses of oral corticosteroids for 12 days or inhaled corticosteroids for 1 month.
Results:
A review of the records of 43 patients showed that the mean follow-up time was 6.66 months, and the overall effective rate of treatment was 48.8%. Postinfectious olfactory dysfunction exhibited distinct seasonality, with the highest incidence in March. The curative effect was significantly related to the olfactory discrimination threshold at the first consultation (P = .022), but not significantly associated with age (P = .325), sex (P = .924), duration of disease (P = .526), follow-up time (P = .489), or treatment program (P = .330).
Conclusions:
Different doses and forms of corticosteroids showed no significant difference in the therapeutic effect on postinfectious olfactory dysfunction. The olfactory discrimination threshold at the first consultation was the most important factor influencing the prognosis.