The relationship between anosmia and ageusia with biochemical markers, severity, and duration of the disease in patients with COVID-19

Due to the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 and its effects on the sense of taste and smell, we analyzed Blood electrolyte levels and biomarkers in COVID-19 patients who have a sign of anosmia and ageusia in Zanjan, Iran, and its relationship with biochemical blood indicators.

The retrospective study included all hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19. We registered laboratory parameters. A questionnaire that validity and reliability have already been confirmed was used to assess anosmia and ageusia. Statistical analysis was evaluated using a bivariate Bayesian logistic regression in the binomial distribution.

A total of 450 COVID-19 patients completed the study (221 females). The mean age of the patients was 56.36±17.34 years. 31.8% and 24.9% of patients reported anosmia and ageusia. There was no significant relationship between anosmia and ageusia with age, gender, place of hospitalization, marriage status, duration of hospitalization, and CT scan (p<0.05). The Male’s platelet was 18.72 lower than the female’s (p=0.002). Male’s C-reactive protein was 4.96 units higher than female (p=0.002). In hospitalized persons for less than four days and people under 39 years of age, CRP levels were lower (P=0.001, P=0.019 respectively). The Levels of lactate dehydrogenase in patients with anosmia were 51.72 units less than in patients without anosmia (p=0.010).

These results suggest that anosmia and ageusia are prevalent symptoms in Iranian COVID-19 patients. More information on serum biomarkers would help us to establish a greater degree of accuracy on this matter.