Management of new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic – BRS Consensus Guidelines

Link to article at PubMed

Clin Otolaryngol. 2020 Aug 27. doi: 10.1111/coa.13636. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the study is to provide recommendations for the investigation and management of patients with new onset loss of sense of smellduring the COVID-19 pandemic DESIGN: After undertaking a literature review, we used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi-step process to reach consensus about treatment options, onward referral andimaging.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: An expert panel consisting of 15 members was assembled. A literature review was undertaken prior to the study and evidence was summarised for the panellists.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The panel undertook a process of ranking and classifying appropriateness of different investigations and treatment options for new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic.Using a 9-point Likert scale, panellists scored whether a treatment was: Not recommended, optional, or recommended. Consensus was achieved when more than 70% of responses fell into the category defined by the mean.

RESULTS: Consensus was reached on the majority of statements after 2 rounds of ranking. Disagreement meant no recommendation was made regarding one treatment, using Vitamin A Drops. Alpha lipoic acid was not recommended, olfactory training was recommended for all patients with persistent loss of sense of smell of more than 2 weeks duration, and oral steroids, steroid rinses and omega 3 supplements may be considered on an individual basis. Recommendations regarding the need for referral and investigation have been made.

CONCLUSION: This study identified the appropriateness of olfactory training, different medical treatment options, referral guidelines and imaging for patients with COVID-19 related loss of sense of smell. The guideline may evolve as our experience of COVID-19 develops.

PMID:32854169 | DOI:10.1111/coa.13636

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *