Association of anosmia and neutralizing antibody production in adolescents with SARS-CoV-2

Authors

Lyuba Gitman, Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA; The George Washington University, Division of Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA.
Daniel Newman, Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA.
Bahar Burak, Children's National Hospital, Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; The George Washington University, Department of Pathology, Washington, DC, USA; The George Washington University, Department of Pediatrics, Washington, DC, USA.
Brian K. Reilly, Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA; The George Washington University, Division of Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA.
Pamela Mudd, Children's National Hospital, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA; The George Washington University, Division of Otolaryngology, Washington, DC, USA. Electronic address: pmudd@childrensnational.org.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

11-25-2022

Journal

International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology

Volume

164

DOI

10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111403

Keywords

Anosmia; Antibodies; Olfaction; SARS-CoV-2; SNOT-22

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To monitor olfactory/gustatory dysfunction and its relationship to SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses in an adolescent population. METHODS: Adolescents with changes in olfactory/gustatory functions were enrolled in a 15-month study. The patients were evaluated with 1) SNOT-22, 2) pediatric smell wheel, and 3) SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. The relationship between these scores and length of anosmia, and the amount of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were assessed. A brain MRI was performed in cases of persistent special sensory symptoms. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified with smell and/or taste complaints. Most of the patients were female (67%) and median age was 15 years (range 11-17). Twelve patients had prior SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, with only five patients with a positive result. The median SNOT-22 score was 16 (range 0-52) and the median smell wheel score was 6.5 (range 1-11). Patients with taste difficulty were more likely to have a score less than eight. 78% of the patients tested positive for antibodies and there was a strong negative correlation between smell wheel score and antibody level (Spearman, ρ = -0.798, p = 0.002). Five patients underwent MRI scan, and all resulted as normal olfactory bulb structures. 66% received nasal corticosteroids. 11 patients presented in follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents presenting to a pediatric ENT clinic during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were likely to have prolonged (>6 weeks) symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. The majority do not report positive PCR testing result but do report systemic symptoms including anosmia. This suggests that anosmia may be both a late and prolonged symptom of SARS-CoV-2.

APA Citation

Gitman, Lyuba; Newman, Daniel; Burak, Bahar; Reilly, Brian K.; and Mudd, Pamela, "Association of anosmia and neutralizing antibody production in adolescents with SARS-CoV-2" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1897.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1897

Department

Pediatrics