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

Introduction: 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.