What are the significant predictors for olfactory recovery in a large sample of patients with postinfectious olfactory loss (POL) using standardized objective testing methods?
Bottom line
Olfactory recovery occurs many years after the viral event, meaning a good prognosis for postinfectious olfactory loss patients, especially for those with initially poor olfactory function and younger age.
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January 2018Background: POL is among the most common causes of olfactory impairment, creating substantial negative impact on patients’ quality of life. It has been estimated that about one-third of patients may experience spontaneous recovery, usually within two to three years after the infectious event, but most studies are based on small sample sizes, assessed in the short term, and use different testing procedures.
Study design: Retrospective cohort analysis of 791 patients with POL.