Dysfunction of Olfaction After COVID-19 Infection: Morphological and Histomolecular Investigation

Launched by UNIVERSITAIRE ZIEKENHUIZEN KU LEUVEN · Jun 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring why some people experience a loss of smell, known as olfactory dysfunction, after having COVID-19. Researchers want to understand the changes in the nasal area that might be causing this problem. To do this, they will collect small tissue samples from the noses of participants—both those who have smell issues and those who do not.

If you or a loved one is between 18 and 85 years old and has noticeable smell problems since having COVID-19, you might be eligible to participate. Participants in the olfactory dysfunction group will need to show clear signs of smell impairment, while those in the control group should have normal smell function. In this study, participants can expect to have a safe procedure to take samples from their nose, which will help scientists learn more about how COVID-19 affects the sense of smell. This research could lead to better treatments for people struggling with smell loss after their COVID-19 infection.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Olfactory Dysfunction group: Presence of evident OD (Parosmia, Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (TDI)-score ≤24, Subjective abnormal quantitative olfactory function; measured by a visual analogue score (VAS) of smell impairment ≥5/10
• • Control group: No OD (TDI-score \>30.5.)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of concomitant nasal mucosal pathology that might affect olfactory function or bias the study investigations
• • Use of anticoagulation therapy
• • Allergy to local anesthetics