Assessment of mucociliary clearance as an indicator of nasal function in patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study


Koparal M., Kurt E., ALTUNTAŞ E. E., Dogan F.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, vol.278, no.6, pp.1863-1868, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 278 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00405-020-06457-y
  • Journal Name: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1863-1868
  • Keywords: COVID-19, Mucociliary clearance, Nasal disorders, Smell disorders
  • Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the effects of COVID-19 infection on nasal mucociliary activity. Methods: The study was conducted in the pandemic wards of Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital during April and May 2020. All patients admitted to the COVID-19 pandemic wards during the study period were invited to participate in the study. The study included 40 adults who agreed to participate and underwent a mucociliary clearance test successfully. The primary outcome was mucociliary clearance time and the secondary variables of interest were age, sex, and sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores. The control group included 40 concomitant healthy patients who visited the outpatient ear, nose and throat clinic with non-nasal symptoms. Results: The study included 40 COVID-19-positive patients and 40 healthy controls. The mean mucociliary clearance times of the study (15.53 ± 5.57 min) and control (9.50 ± 3.70 min) groups were significantly different (Z = 4.675, p < 0.001). However, the mucociliary clearance time was not significantly different between males and females (t = 0.590, p = 0.558). Conclusions: Nasal mucociliary clearance time was prolonged in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Thus, we conclude that smell and taste are crucial symptoms that should not be overlooked in patients suspected of COVID-19 disease.