Subjective assessment of taste and smell disfunction in patients with COVID-19 in Paraguay / Evaluación subjetiva de las alteraciones del sentido del gusto y del olfato en pacientes con COVID-19 en Paraguay

The alteration of the senses of taste and smell in relation to COVID-19 is a widely known phenomenon; however, this alteration has not been exhaustively characterized in the international literature. The following study is proposed with the aim of describing the alterations in the senses of taste and smell in relation to COVID-19 by means of their subjective evaluation. The nature of the study is observational, descriptive and cross-sectional, and was applied to patients who sought medical attention via remote consultations carried out on virtual platforms of the Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Clínicas Hospital, San Lorenzo, between the months of March and October of 2021. We included 440 patients aged 31.3 ± 9.9 years (18 to 60 years), 308 (70%) female, 388 (88%) from urban areas, with evidence of infection by SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in 260 (59%), predominantly without comorbidities 232 (53%), with fever as the most frequently reported symptom 352 (80%), treated more frequently with NSAIDs 208 (47%) and/or Paracetamol 216 (49%). Both taste and smell alterations in patients who have had COVID-19 have been shown to appear more frequently 1 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms (207 for smell, 184 for taste), occurring more frequently with a total decrease of both senses (anosmia 302 and ageusia 216), recovering completely in most cases (214 and 216) and within a period of 1 to 4 weeks (140 and 130).

La alteración de los sentidos del gusto y del olfato en relación con el COVID-19 es un fenómeno ampliamente conocido, sin embargo, esta alteración no ha sido caracterizada de forma exhaustiva en la literatura internacional. Se plantea el siguiente estudio con el objetivo de describir las alteraciones del sentido del gusto y del olfato en relación con el COVID-19 a través de la evaluación subjetiva del mismo. El mismo es observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, aplicado a pacientes que consultaron a través de teleconsultas realizadas sobre plataformas virtuales de la Cátedra y Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital de Clínicas, de San Lorenzo, durante los meses de marzo a octubre del 2021. Fueron incluidos 440 pacientes de 31,3 ± 9,9 años (18 a 60 años), 308 (70%) de sexo femenino, 388 (88%) provenientes de zona urbana, con evidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 por RT-PCR en 260 (59%), predominantemente sin comorbilidades 232 (53%), con fiebre como síntoma asociado al COVID-19 más frecuentemente reportado 352 (80%), tratados más frecuentemente con AINES 208 (47%) y/o Paracetamol 216 (49%). Tanto la alteración del gusto como del olfato en pacientes que han cursado con COVID-19 ha demostrado ser aparecer más frecuentemente en 1 a 7 días del inicio del cuadro (207 para el olfato. 184 para el gusto), cursando más frecuentemente con disminución total de ambos sentidos (anosmia 302 y ageusia 216), recuperándose más frecuentemente de forma total (214 y 216) y en un plazo de 1 a 4 semanas (140 y 130).

Trastornos del gusto: actualización y aproximación clínica / Taste disorders: update and clinical approach

Resumen Los trastornos del gusto constituyen un grupo de alteraciones relativamente frecuentes en la práctica clínica. Son de etiología diversa, pudiendo afectar la vía gustativa en distintos niveles, manifestándose, clínicamente, con alteraciones cuantitativas y/o cualitativas de la sensibilidad gustativa. En gran parte de los casos se puede lograr un diagnóstico etiológico con una anamnesis adecuada, examen físico y exploraciones complementarias básicas. No obstante, existe poco entendimiento de su patogénesis, así como limitadas opciones terapéuticas, lo que implica la falta de algoritmos de diagnóstico y tratamiento completamente validados. El objetivo de la presente revisión es otorgar una actualización y un abordaje práctico de los trastornos del gusto.

Abstract Taste disorders represent a group of alterations relatively frequent in clinical practice. They have a diverse etiology, and they can affect the gustatory pathway at different levels, clinically manifesting with quantitative/qualitative alterations on taste sensitivity. In most of cases it is possibly to achieve an etiologically diagnosis with appropriate anamnesis, physical exploration, and basic complementary tests. However, their pathogenesis is not well understood, and they have limited therapeutic options, which determines a lack of well-validated diagnosis and treatment algorithms. The objective of this review is to provide and update and a practical approach to taste disorders.

Características y prevalencia de las alteraciones del olfato y el gusto en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 / Characteristics of smell and taste alteration in patients with COVID-19

Introducción: La identificación de los síntomas o sus combinaciones con un alto valor predictivo para la enfermedad, es una estrategia crucial para el control de las enfermedades transmisibles. Las alteraciones en el olfato y el gusto han surgido como síntomas de alta prevalencia y un confiable predictor temprano de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la prevalencia de las alteraciones del gusto y del olfato en pacientes con antecedente de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en la población colombiana. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica y electrónica a pacientes adultos con antecedente de infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmado por PCR. Resultados: se incluyeron 182 pacientes en el estudio. El 59% manifestó alteraciones del olfato y 54% alteraciones del gusto. De estos, el 77% y 82%, respectivamente, presentaron mejoría de sus síntomas. El 14% de los participantes percibió las alteraciones del olfato antes del inicio de otros síntomas de COVID-19. El 9% reportó que la alteración del olfato fue el único síntoma de la infección. Para el gusto, 8% informó que fue el primer síntoma de COVID-19, mientras que el 6% reportó que fue el único síntoma. Conclusiones: las alteraciones del gusto y del olfato son síntomas de alta prevalencia en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 y en algunos casos pueden ser el síntoma de presentación de la infección o el único síntoma de la infección

Introduction: Identifying symptoms or symptom combinations with a high predictive value for diagnosing a disease is a crucial strategy for controlling transmissible diseases. Smell and taste alterations have been identified as highly prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 and have been used as a reliable early predictor of the disease. The objective in this study was characterizing the prevalence of smell and taste alterations in patients with COVID-19 in the Colombian population. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. A telephonic and electronic survey was applied to adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR. Results: 182 patients were included. 59% presented with smell alterations and 54% with taste symptoms. Among these patients, 77% and 82% respectively perceived symptomatic improvement. 14% of patients presented smell alterations before the onset of other COVID-19 symptoms. 9% reported smell alterations to be the only symptom of the disease. 8% of patients perceived taste alterations as a first symptom and 6% reported it to be the only symptom of the disease. Conclusion: Taste and smell alterations are highly prevalent symptoms in Colombian patients with Covid-19 and in some cases they can be the either the first or the only perceived symptoms of the disease.

Papel de los tejidos orales durante la infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Role of oral tissues in SARS-CoV-2 infection

La actual pandemia de COVID-19 provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 es un problema de salud que afecta a la población globalmente. Su desarrollo puede ser asintomático o exhibir manifestaciones clínicas moderadas o severas dependiendo en gran medida de la respuesta inmune de quien la padece. Esta enfermedad afecta principalmente a los pulmones a través del desarrollo del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SRAS), tanto como por la «tormenta de citocinas¼, una respuesta inflamatoria exacerbada que podría provocar una falla multisistémica y, en casos severos, la muerte. Se conoce que la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ECA-2), presente en diversos tejidos del cuerpo, actúa como receptor funcional del virus SARS-CoV-2 facilitando la entrada de éste a las células. Se ha demostrado la presencia de dicho receptor en varios tejidos orales, por lo que se puede considerar a la cavidad bucal como una vía latente de infección por dicho coronavirus, ya que su mecanismo de transmisión es a través de la inhalación de partículas virales, ya sea por vía nasal u oral. Así mismo, la presencia de carga vírica en la saliva y algunos de los síntomas de la COVID-19, por ejemplo la ageusia, pueden indicar la presencia de contagio viral en etapas tempranas. La presente revisión muestra evidencia que sugiere que diversos tejidos en la cavidad oral podrían ser considerados sitios potenciales de contagio por el SARS-CoV-2, teniendo un papel importante en el mecanismo de transmisión y en el desarrollo de coinfecciones (AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently a global healthcare problem. The onset of this disease can exhibit several clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe symptoms, depending on the individual's immune response. COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs by developing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the «cytokine storm¼, an exacerbated inflammatory reaction that can lead to multiorgan failure and consequently death. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), present in several tissues in the human body, is known to act as the functional receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 germ facilitating its entrance into the cells. Such receptor is also present in diverse oral cavity tissues, indicating a latent route of infection due to its influence in the transmission mechanism by inhalation, either oral or nasal, of virus particles. Also, viral load in saliva and taste disorder symptoms like ageusia could indicate a viral infection in its early stages. This article presents evidence suggesting that several tissues in the oral cavity can be considered potential sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus playing an essential role in the transmission mechanism and development of co-infections (AU)

Prevalencia de trastornos del gusto en niños y adolescentes con infección por coronavirus: revisión sistemática / Prevalence of taste disorders in children and adolescents with coronavirus infection: a systematic review

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de trastornos del gusto en pacientes niños y adolescentes diagnosticados con infección por coronavirus, a través de la evidencia en la literatura científica. Materiales y métodos: Una revisión sistemática de los artículos publicados entre el 19 de diciembre del 2019 y el 20 de diciembre del 2020 en las bases de datos Medline, Lilacs, BVS, Cochrane, SCOPUS y ScienceDirect. La estrategia de búsqueda de información se basó en el diagrama de flujo clásico de PRISMA. Para la evaluación del riesgo de sesgo, se usó la escala Newcastle-Ottawa. Resultados: Se encontraron 443 artículos en seis bases de datos y se incluyó un total de 7 artículos después de la evaluación, según los criterios de selección. Los artículos abordaron la variable de trastornos del gusto en tres formas: ageusia, disgeusia e hipogeusia, y se halló que esta manifestación clínica estaba presente desde los inicios de la infección. Conclusiones: Se ha encontrado una prevalencia de trastornos del gusto en niños y adolescentes diagnosticados con infección por coronavirus desde un 3,3% hasta un 26,9%. (AU)

Aim: To assess the prevalence of taste disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with coronavirus infection according to the evidence reported in the scientific literature. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of articles published between December 19, 2019, and December 20, 2020 in the Medline, Lilacs, BVS, Cochrane, SCOPUS and ScienceDirect databases. The information search strategy was based on the classic PRISMA flow diagram. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: 443 articles were found in six databases, and a total of 7 articles were included after evaluation according to the selection criteria. The articles addressed the variable of taste disorders in three ways: ageusia, dysgeusia and hypogeusia; finding that this clinical manifestation was present from the beginning of the infection. Conclusions: The prevalence of taste disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with coronavirus infection is from 3.3% to 26.9%. (AU)

Evaluation of taste and smell disorders in pediatric COVID-19 Cases

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have a high risk of contagiousness, as they usually progress with asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms. Disorder in taste and/or smell has rarely been reported in pediatric cases. In our study, early diagnosis and isolation measures were emphasized by evaluating the clinical, laboratory, and radiological imaging findings of pediatric COVID-19 cases presenting with symptoms of taste and/or smell disorder. METHODS: Seven cases aged 0-18 years were included in the study. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 polymerase chain reaction test was performed for the seven cases presented with taste and/or smell disorders. Clinical findings, laboratory tests, and radiological imaging of all the cases were evaluated on the day of admission and on the fifth day. RESULTS: Seven (5.7%) of 122 pediatric COVID-19 cases had disorder in taste and/or smell. In two cases, pneumonia findings were detected in thorax computed tomography imaging. It was observed that all the patients fully recovered at the latest on the 21st day. In the cranial diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of a case, diffusion restriction was detected in the corpus callosum splenium. CONCLUSION: Although less common than adults, children with COVID-19 may also have taste and smell disorders, and this may be accompanied by central nervous system imaging findings.

Possíveis desfechos de longo prazo da Covid-19: uma revisão sistemática de escopo / Possible long-term outcomes of Covid-19: a systematic scoping review

Objetivo: mapear os possíveis desfechos de longo prazo da COVID-19 no mundo. Métodos: em acordo com as recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de escopo de estudos experimentais e observacionais com busca nas bases de dados PubMed e Scopus, complementada por busca manual. Resultados: de 5.325 registros, 121 atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade, os quais incluíram 1.638 recuperados da COVID-19. Foram identificados 52 potenciais desfechos de longo prazo da COVID-19, principalmente disfunção olfatória (n=605), disfunção gustativa (n=372), dispneia (n=233) e lesões pulmonares (n=225). Entre os cuidados de longo prazo, destacam-se início de terapia medicamentosa, terapia de substituição renal e amputação. Conclusão: foram mapeados 52 possíveis desfechos de longo prazo da COVID-19 e recomendações de continuação de cuidados, que variaram de manifestações leves a graves com duração menor ou igual a um mês e maior que um mês.

Objective: to map these possible long-term outcomes of COVID-19 worldwide. Methods: In accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute, a systematic scoping review of experimental and observational studies was carried out with a search in PubMed and Scopus databases, complemented by manual search. Results: Of 5,325 records, 121 met eligibility criteria, which included 1,638 recovered from COVID-19. Fifty-two (52) potential long-term outcomes of COVID-19 were identified, mainly olfactory dysfunction (n=605), taste dysfunction (n=372), dyspnea (n=233) and lung injuries (n=225). Long-term care included initiation of drug therapy, renal replacement therapy and amputation. Conclusion: Fifty-two (52) possible long-term outcomes of COVID-19 and recommendations for continued care were mapped, ranging from mild to severe manifestations lasting less than or equal to one month and greater than one month.

Olfactory and taste disorders in COVID-19: a systematic review / Desordens olfativas e gustativas na COVID-19: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, and it is responsible for the largest pandemic since the 1918 H1N1 influenza outbreak. The classic symptoms of the disease have been well defined by the World Health Organization; however, olfactory/gustatory disorders have been reported in some studies, but there are still several missing points in the understanding and in the consensus about the clinical management of these cases. Objective: To identify evidence in the scientific literature about olfactory/gustatory disorders, their clinical presentation, prevalence and possible specific treatments associated with COVID-19. Methods: A systematic review of articles published up to April 25, 2020 was performed in Medline, Cochrane Clinical Trials, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, Scopus and Google Schoolar, OpenGrey.eu, DissOnline, The New York Academy of Medicine and Reasearch Gate. Inclusion criteria: (1) Studies on patients with COVID-19; (2) Records of COVID-19 signs/symptoms, and olfactory/gustatory functions. Exclusion criteria: (1) Studies on non-human coronavirus; (2) Review articles; (3) Experimental studies (in animals or in vitro); (4) Olfactory/gustatory disorders initiated prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk assessment of bias of the selected studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Six articles from the 1788 records met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A total of 1457 patients of different ethnicities were assessed; of them, 885 (60.7%) and 822 (56.4%) had smell and taste disorders, respectively, with women being most often affected. There were olfactory/gustatory disorders even without nasal obstruction/rhinorrhea and beginning even before the signs/symptoms of COVID-19; the recovery of smell/taste, when it occurs, usually happened in the first two weeks after COVID-19 resolution. There is evidence that olfactory/gustatory disorders are strong predictors of infection by SARS-CoV-2, and it is possible to recommend patient isolation, as early as of the medical consultation, preventing the spread of the virus. No scientific evidence has been identified for effective treatments for any of the disorders. Conclusion: Olfactory/gustatory disorders may occur at varying intensities and prior to the general symptoms of COVID-19 and should be considered as part of the clinical features of COVID-19, even in mild cases. There is still no scientific evidence of specific treatments for such disorders in COVID-19 disease.

Resumo Introdução: O vírus SARS-CoV-2 causa a COVID-19 e é responsável pela maior pandemia desde o surto de influenza H1N1 de 1918. Os sintomas clássicos da doença já foram bem definidos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde; entretanto, distúrbios olfativo-gustativos têm sido relatados em alguns estudos, mas ainda com várias lacunas no entendimento e no consenso sobre a condução clínica desses casos. Objetivo: Identificar evidências na literatura científica sobre os distúrbios olfativo-gustativos acerca da apresentação clínica, prevalência e possíveis tratamentos específicos associados à COVID-19. Método: Revisão sistemática de artigos publicados até 25 de abril de 2020 nas bases de dados: Medline, Cochrane Clinical Trials, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, Scopus e Google Schoolar, OpenGrey.eu, DissOnline, The New York Academy of Medicine e Research Gate. Foram critérios de inclusão: 1) Estudos com indivíduos com COVID-19; 2) Registro dos sinais/sintomas da COVID-19 e das funções olfativo-gustativa. Foram critérios de exclusão: 1) Estudos sobre coronavírus não humano; 2) Artigos de revisão; 3) Estudos experimentais (em animais ou in vitro); 4) Distúrbios olfativos-gustativos iniciados previamente à infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. A avaliação de risco de viés dos estudos selecionados foi feita por meio da escala de Newcastle-Ottawa. Resultados: Seis artigos dos 1.788 registros foram selecionados. Um total de 1.457 pacientes de diversas etnias foi avaliado; desses, 885 (60,7%) apresentaram perda do olfato e 822 (56,4%) perda do paladar, sendo as mulheres as mais afetadas. Os distúrbios olfativo-gustativos estiveram presentes mesmo sem obstrução nasal/rinorreia e com início mesmo antes dos sinais/sintomas clínicos da COVID-19; a recuperação do olfato/paladar, quando ocorre, geralmente se dá nas duas primeiras semanas após a resolução da doença. Há evidências de que os distúrbios olfativo-gustativos sejam fortes preditores de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2, podendo-se recomendar o isolamento do paciente, já a partir da consulta médica, para evitar a disseminação do vírus. Não foram identificadas evidências científicas para tratamentos eficazes para qualquer dos distúrbios. Conclusão: Podem ocorrer distúrbios olfativo-gustativos em intensidades variáveis e prévios aos sintomas gerais da COVID-19, devem ser considerados como parte dos sintomas da doença, mesmo em quadros leves. Não há ainda evidências científicas de tratamentos específicos para tais distúrbios na COVID-19.

Smell and taste alterations in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To present scientific evidence based on a systematic review of the literature (PRISMA) to systematize information on smell and taste alterations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: The studies were selected through combinations based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, SciELO, and BIREME databases were used. The search encompassed articles published from January 2010 to May 2020, with no restriction of language or localization. RESULTS: A total of 665 retrieved articles had the potential for inclusion. Of these, two answered the research question, which was to verify the smell and taste alterations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The results found in this review demonstrated that there likely is an association between self-reported smell and taste dysfunctions and COVID-19 infection in such patients.

Neurological manifestations in coronavirus disease 2019 / Manifestaciones neurológicas en la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently hitting the world in the form of a pandemic. Given that some reports suggest that this infection can also occur with neurologic manifestations, this narrative review addresses the basic and clinical aspects concerning the nervous system involvement associated with this disease. More than one third of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 can present with both central and peripheral neurological manifestations. The former includes dizziness and headache, while the latter includes taste and smell disturbances. Other reported neurological manifestations are cerebrovascular disease and epileptic seizures. According to published reports, neurological disorders are not uncommon in COVID-19 and can sometimes represent the first manifestation of the disease; therefore, neurologists should consider this diagnostic possibility in their daily practice. Since maybe not all COVID-19 neurological manifestations are due to SARS-CoV-2 direct effects, it is important to monitor the rest of the clinical parameters such as, for example, oxygen saturation. Similarly, follow-up of patients is advisable, since whether neurological complications may develop lately is thus far unknown.

Resumen La enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), infección causada por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2), actualmente afecta al mundo en forma de una pandemia. Debido a que algunos reportes apuntan a que esta infección puede cursar también con manifestaciones neurológicas, en esta revisión narrativa se abordan los aspectos básicos y clínicos concernientes a la afectación del sistema nervioso por esta enfermedad. Más de un tercio de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 pueden presentar manifestaciones neurológicas, tanto centrales como periféricas. Entre las primeras se encuentran el mareo y la cefalea; y entre las segundas, las alteraciones del gusto y el olfato. Otras manifestaciones neurológicas reportadas son la enfermedad vascular cerebral y las crisis epilépticas. Según los informes publicados, los padecimientos neurológicos no son infrecuentes en COVID-19 y en ocasiones pueden representar la primera manifestación de la enfermedad, de modo que los neurólogos deberán considerar esta posibilidad diagnóstica en su práctica cotidiana. Dado que no todas las manifestaciones neurológicas de COVID-19 pudieran deberse a efectos directos de SARS-CoV-2, es importante monitorear el resto de los parámetros clínicos, por ejemplo, la oxigenación. De igual forma, es recomendable el seguimiento de los pacientes, ya que hasta el momento se ignora si las complicaciones neurológicas pueden desarrollarse tardíamente.

Alteraciones en el olfato y el gusto asociadas con la infección por SARS-CoV-2: una revisión / Olfactory and taste disorders associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review

Los sentidos químicos, como el olfato y el gusto, son determinantes en la calidad de vida y el desempeño de algunas labores de la vida diaria, ya que desempeñan un papel fundamental tanto en la rutina como en las relaciones interpersonales. Existen múltiples patologías que alteran estos sentidos, entre estas las enfermedades por infección viral. A través de los últimos meses, se ha demostrado que el virus responsable de la pandemia actual (SARS-CoV-2) puede generar cambios en el olfato y en el gusto secundarios a la infección por este, siendo estas alteraciones, en ocasiones, las primeras manifestaciones. En esta revisión se busca recopilar la información encontrada en la literatura médica y resaltar la importancia de tener en cuenta estas alteraciones al momento de examinar a un paciente y generar una alerta en cuanto a las posibles medidas de aislamiento y/o tratamiento de estos pacientes.

Chemical senses such as smell and taste are decisive in the quality of life and performance of some tasks of daily life. They are senses that play a fundamental role in everyday life and in interpersonal relationships. There are multiple pathologies that alter these senses, including viral infection diseases. Over the last few months, it has been shown that the virus responsible for the current pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) can generate changes in smell and taste secondary to its infection, these alterations being sometimes the first demonstrations. This review seeks to compile the information found in the medical literature and conclude the importance of taking these alterations into account when examining a patient and generating an alert regarding the possible isolation and / or treatment measures for these patients.

Influences of weight, age, gender, genetics, diseases, and ethnicity on bitterness perception: a narrative review of current methodological aspects

BACKGROUND: Bitterness perception seems to be related to an enhanced intake of dietary fat and to a tendency to the development of diseases such as obesity. However, the exact factors for this possible contribution still need to be better investigated. So, gustatory perception of the bitter taste is a promising area of study because of its importance regarding food choices and consequently feeding behavior. Therefore, this short review focused on recent papers reporting correlations between bitter taste, anthropometric variables, obesity and other chronic diseases, age, gender, ethnicity, and genetics. METHODS: A survey was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scielo from September 2015 to January 2017.Only review articles, observational studies and clinical trials published in English and Portuguese over the last15 years which met the objectives of the present study were considered. A total of 40 papers were evaluated. RESULTS: Two papers showed a positive correlation between bitter taste and obesity, one indicated that this correlation is influenced by the subject's age, one suggested a negative correlation, and two found no association. Age seems to be negatively correlated with the bitterness perceived, and female gender was associated with a stronger perception of bitterness. Genetics, mostly due to differences in TAS2R38 expression, influences sensitivity to the bitter taste, feeding behavior and also alcohol intake. Ethnicity, not only the subject's phenotypic or genotypic characteristics, seems to play a role in taste perception and nutritional diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Age, gender, genetics and ethnicity seem to play a role in bitterness perception. Data about associations between bitterness perception and anthropometrics are conflicting.

Reações adversas a medicamentos na cavidade bucal de idosos / Adverse reactions caused by drugs in the oral cavity of the elderly / Reacciones adversas a medicamentos en la cavidad bucal de ancianos

Os indivíduos com idade avançada consomem maior número de medicações e, como consequência, surgem reações adversas frequentes a essas drogas, inclusive na cavidade bucal. O objetivo é verificar as reações adversas na cavidade oral relacionadas aos medicamentos, a fim de que sejam diagnosticadas corretamente e se executem ações que as reduzam ou eliminem. Como metodologia, nesta revisão, foram buscados artigos originais relatando estas reações em idosos, em inglês, português e espanhol, publicados de 2000 a 2018, usando-se termos relevantes ao tema, publicados on-line nas bases de dados dos periódicos da CAPES. Os artigos foram selecionados após leitura dos seus títulos e resumos efetuando-se, a seguir, leitura completa dos mesmos. Os Resultados mostram que, entre os 12 artigos selecionados, tivemos: 6 (50%) sobre xerostomia; 2 (17%) com ulcerações orais consequentes ao nicorandil; 2 (17%) com osteonecrose da mandíbula (bifosfonato e bevacizumab, um em cada); e 1 (8,3%) com ageusia (associada a romidepsin); e 1 (8,3%) com candidíase (associada a corticoide inalatório). Concluiu-se que o idoso requer atenção redobrada durante as consultas médicas e procedimentos odontológicos, em razão da associação de diferentes doenças crônicas e o uso contínuo de diversas medicações. Há necessidade de maior número de publicações focando este tema neste grupo etário, principalmente naqueles indivíduos mais longevos.

Introduction: The individuals with advanced age are the ones who consume the greatest number of medications and, as consequence, adverse reactions to these drugs often occur, including in the oral cavity. Objective: These drug-related manifestations deserve attention of health professionals so that they are properly diagnosed and actions are taken to reduce or eliminate them. Material and methods: In this article, we reviewed original articles, published from 2000 to 2018, reporting these reactions in elderly patients. Articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish were searched, using terms relevant to the topic, published online in the CAPES journals databases. The articles were selected after reading their titles and summaries and, then, the complete articles. Results: Among the 12 articles showing adverse drug reactions in the oral cavity of the elderly, we had: 6 (50%) with xerostomia and its consequences; 2 (17%) with oral ulcerations consequent to the use of nicorandil; 2 (17%) with osteonecrosis of the mandible (bisphosphonate and bevacizumab, one in each); and 1 (8.3%) with ageusia (associated with romidepsin) and 1 (8.3%) with oral candidiasis (associated with inhaled corticosteroids). Conclusion: The elderly require increased attention during medical consultations and dental procedures, due to the association of different chronic diseases and the continuous use of several medications. There is a need for a greater number of publications focusing on this theme in this age group, especially in those longevous senior individuals.

Los individuos con edad avanzada consumen mayor número de medicamentos y, como consecuencia, surgen reacciones adversas frecuentes a estos fármacos, incluso en la cavidad bucal. El objetivo es verificar las reacciones adversas en la cavidad oral relacionadas con los medicamentos, a fin de que sean diagnosticadas correctamente y se ejecuten acciones que las reduzcan o eliminen. La metodología de esta revisión se buscaron artículos originales que informaron estas reacciones en las personas mayores, en inglés, portugués y español, publicados desde 2000 hasta 2018, si el uso de términos relacionados con el tema, publicados en línea en las bases de datos CAPES periódicas. Los artículos fueron seleccionados después de leer sus títulos y resúmenes efectuando, a continuación, lectura completa de los mismos. Los resultados muestran que, entre los 12 artículos seleccionados, tuvimos: 6 (50%) sobre xerostomía; 2 (17%) con ulceraciones orales consecuentes al nicorandil; 2 (17%) con osteonecrosis de la mandíbula (bifosfonato y bevacizumab, uno en cada uno); y 1 (8,3%) con ageusia (asociada a romidepsin); y 1 (8,3%) con candidiasis (asociada a corticoides inhalados). Se concluyó que el anciano requiere atención redoblada durante las consultas médicas y procedimientos odontológicos, en razón de la asociación de diferentes enfermedades crónicas y el uso continuo de diversas medicaciones. Hay necesidad de mayor número de publicaciones enfocando este tema en este grupo de edad, principalmente en aquellos individuos más longevos.

Avaliação da percepção gustativa em idosos para os gostos básicos, doce e salgado, em comparação a jovens adultos / Evaluation of taste perception in the elderly for basic, sweet and salty tastes, compared to young adults

Objetivo ­ Avaliar a percepção gustativa em idosos para os gostos básicos, doce e salgado, em comparação com adultos jovens. A redução da taxa de mortalidade e natalidade ocorrida nas últimas décadas no Brasil, como parte do fenômeno da transição demográfica, ocasionou o aumento do número de idosos. O envelhecimento apesar de ser um processo natural submete o organismo a diversas alterações anatômicas e funcionais, principalmente, relacionadas ao paladar e olfato. Métodos ­ Para tanto foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, qualitativo, caso controle composto por uma amostra de 40 sujeitos, sendo 20 adultos de 18 a 25 anos e 20 idosos de 60 a 85 anos de ambos os sexos. O instrumento para avaliação gustativa utilizado foi o teste de descrição de atributos para detecção do sabor das concentrações doce e salgada. Resultados ­ Os resultados demonstraram que os idosos avaliados precisaram de aproximadamente oito vezes mais sal (cloreto de sódio) do que os adultos para detectar a presença deste componente e de aproximadamente quatro vezes mais açúcar do que os adultos para detectar a presença desta substância. Conclusão ­ Concluiu-se que ocorrem alterações significativas na sensibilidade gustativa para os gostos básicos, doce e salgado, nos idosos quando comparados com os adultos.

Objective ­ To evaluate the taste perception in the elderly for the basic tastes, sweet, salty, compared with younge adults. The reduction in mortality and birth occurred in recent decades in Brazil, as part of the phenomenon of demographic transition, led to an increase in the number of elderly. The aging despite being a natural process the body undergoes various anatomical and functional changes, mainly related to taste and smell. Methods ­ Therefore we conducted a prospective, qualitative, case-control consists of a sample of 40 subjects, 20 adults 18-25 years and 20 aged 60-85 years of both sexes. The instrument was used to assess gustatory test description attributes to detect the taste of fresh and salt concentrations. Results ­ The results showed that the elderly subjects had to approximately eight times more salt (sodium chloride) than adults to detect the presence of this component is about four times more sugar than adults to detect the presence of the substance. Conclusion­ t was concluded that major changes in taste sensitivity for basic tastes, sweet and salty, the elderly compared with adults.

Abordaje integral en la rehabilitación funcional del olfato y del gusto desde un enfoque fonoaudiológico / Recovering the sense of taste and smell as a result of opperational therapy integration -speech-pathology-based approach / Abordagem integral na reabilitação funcional do olfato e do paladar a partir de um enfoque fonoaudiologico

Introducción: teniendo en cuenta la ontogenia y la antropología del olfato y del gusto del individuo, la Rehabilitación Fonoaudiológica del Olfato y Gustose ha encarado desde un punto de vista funcional y de integración de ambos sentidos, mediante la Estimulación Integral Multisensorial, teniendo en cuentatanto la vía retro como la ortonasal. Objetivo: Demostrar los resultados obtenidos con el uso de la rehabilitación fonoaudiológica del olfato y gusto, mediante la estimulación integral multisensorial. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional longitudinal de junio a octubre de 2015 de 7 casos (2 hombres y 5 mujeres) diagnosticados pormédico otorrinolaringólogo especialista en olfato y gusto del Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín. Se tomó una historia clínica detallada, se administró el Test de Connecticut, pre y pos rehabilitación y se aplicó el Protocolo de Rehabilitación para pacientes con Trastornos de Olfato y Gusto. Resultados: En cuanto a la evaluación objetiva, 4 de los 7 pacientes pasaron de anosmia a hiposmia severa. Un sujeto evolucionó de hiposmia moderada a leve después de rehabilitación fonoaudiológica exclusiva. Dos pacientes no lograron salir de la anosmia. Uno de ellos presentó cambios subjetivos luego de un mes de tratamiento que, debido a un cuadro de vías aéreas superiores, desaparecieron. Conclusiones: 5 de los 7 pacientes mostraron resultados positivos al tratamiento, lo que demostraría que la estimulación de la vía retro y ortonasal en conjunto con la Estimulación Integral Multisensorial, llevaría a progresos significativos.

Introduction: considering Ontogeny and anthropological aspects of the individual’s sense of smell and taste, Speech Therapy is addressed by means of multi-sensory integration of orto-nasal and retronasal ways, in which both senses are operationally integrated. Objectives: Demostrate the results obtained using Speech Therapy of smell and taste, through integrated multisensory stimulation. Methods and materials: Descriptive observational longitudinal study of seven cases analyzed from June to October, 2015. Two men and five women were diagnosed by an otorhinolaryngologist specializing in smell and taste disorders. The patients’ medical history,was used for the purposes of this study. The Connecticut Test and “El Protocolo de Rehabilitaciónpara Pacientes con Trastornos de Olfato y Gusto” (“Examination Protocol for Patients Diagnosed with Smell and Taste Disorders”) were applied. Results: After applying the tests, four out of seven patients who suffered from anosmia, were eventually diagnosed with severe hyposmia. One subject developed with mild hyposmia after receiving Speech Therapy exclusively. Two patients were not able to recover from anosmia. In one of them, subjective improvements were observed after one month of treatment; however they completely dissappeared later, due to an upper respiratory tract inffection. Conclusions: Improvements were observed in five of the cases analyzed thanks to the treatment administered. Thus, the combination of retro-nasal and orto-nasal ways stimulation and multi-sensory integration is supposed to significantly improve the well-being of patients diagnosed with anosmia.

Introdução: tendo em conta a ontogenia e a antropologia do olfato e do paladar do indivíduo, a Reabilitação Fonoaudiológica do Olfato e do Paladar foi desenvolvida a partir de um ponto funcional e da interação de ambos os sentidos, por meio de Estimulação Integral Multissensorial, tomando-se em conta tanto a via retro como a ortonasal. Objetivo: Demonstrar resultados usando a reabilitação fonoaudiológica de olfato e paladar , através da estimulação multisensorial integrado. Materiais e métodos: Estudo longitudinal descritivo observacional de junho a outubro de 2015 de sete casos (dois homens e cinco mulheres) diagnosticados por médico Otorrinolaringologista especialista em olfato e paladar do Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín. A partir de uma história clínica detalhada, foi administrado o Teste Connecticut, pré e pós-reabilitação e aplicado o Protocolo de Reabilitação para pacientes com Transtornos de Olfato e Paladar. Resultados: Em relação à avaliação objetiva, quatro dos sete pacientes passaram de anosmia à hiposmia severa. Um paciente evoluiu de hiposmia moderada à leve depois da reabilitação fonoaudiológica exclusiva. Dois pacientes não conseguiram sair da anosmia. Um deles apresentou mudanças subjetivas depois de um mês de tratamento, mas devido a um quadro de vias aéreas superiores, as mudanças desapareceram. Conclusão: Cinco de sete pacientes mostraram resultados positivos ao tratamento, o que demonstraria que a estimulação da via aérea retro e ortonasal em conjunto com a Estimulação Integral Multissensorial, poderia levar a progressos significativos.

Percepção gustativa: fator de risco ou proteção para dependentes durante a cessação do uso de drogas / Taste perception: risk factor or protection for dependents during drug use cessation

O aumento no apetite e, por consequência, no peso corporal, evidenciado na maioria dos dependentes químicos em tratamento, pode estar relacionado ao paladar, uma vez que o uso pesado de drogas pode acarretar alterações das papilas gustativas. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar a existência de associação entre a percepção gustativa e o estado nutricional de dependentes químicos em tratamento. O estudo foi realizado em duas comunidades terapêuticas de Chapecó/SC, com 39 homens dependentes químicos maiores de 18 anos. Foram coletados dados primários de peso e altura para avaliação do estado nutricional e aplicado teste de acuidade de paladar; também foram coletados dados secundários sobre idade, tempo de internação, tipos de drogas utilizadas e idade de início de uso de drogas dos prontuários dos internos. Observou-se que 56,5% dos internos estavam em risco nutricional por excesso de peso. A acuidade de paladar diferiu para os gostos básicos testados (P = 0,014), sendo maior para o salgado (94,9%), seguida pelo doce (89,7%), ácido (79,5%) e amargo (38,5%), mas não esteve associada às variáveis de estudo. Conclui-se que a cessação do uso de drogas pode ter, sobre a acuidade do paladar do dependente, efeito similar ao da privação calórica, interferindo com o ganho ponderal excessivo. Contudo, sugere-se que a melhoria da percepção gustativa seja orientada no cenário terapêutico, propondo-se que, nessas condições, pode se constituir como fator de proteção para o dependente, fortalecendo-o na superação de sua condição de vulnerabilidade

The increase in appetite and, consequently, in body weight, evidenced in the majority of addicts under treatment, may be related to taste, since heavy drug use can lead to changes in taste buds. This study aimed to investigate the association between taste perception and nutritional status of drug addicts under treatment. The study was conducted in two therapeutic communities in the municipality of Chapecó, Santa Catarina state, with 39 male addicts over 18 years old. Primary data on weight and height were collected for assessment of nutritional status, and a taste acuity test was applied; also, secondary data were collected on age, length of stay, types of drugs used, and age of drug use onset, from the addicts' records. It was possible to observe that 56.5% of dependents were at nutritional risk for being overweight. Taste acuity significantly differed for the basic tastes evaluated (p= 0.014), being higher for salty (94.9%), followed by sweet (89.7%), acid (79.5%), and bitter (38, 5%) tastes, but it was not associated with the study variables. We conclude that the drug use cessation can have a similar effect to that of caloric deprivation on the taste acuity of dependents, interfering on excessive weight gain. However, it is suggested that the improvement of taste perception be oriented in the therapeutic setting, so that it becomes, in these conditions, a protection factor for dependents, strengthening them to overcome their condition of vulnerability

Discomfort associated with fixed orthodontic appliances: determinant factors and influence on quality of life

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the determinant factors of discomfort attributed to the use of fixed orthodontic appliance and the effect on the quality of life of adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS : Two hundred and seventy-two individuals aged between 9 and 18 years old, enrolled in public and private schools and undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were randomly selected from a sample comprising 62,496 individuals of the same age group. Data was collected by means of questionnaires and an interview. Discomfort intensity and bio-psychosocial variables were assessed using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance questionnaire. Self-esteem was determined using the Global Negative Self-Evaluation questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test and both simple and multiple Poisson regression analyses. RESULTS: Although most individuals did not present discomfort, there was a prevalence of 15.9% of impact on individuals' daily life exclusively due to the use of fixed orthodontic appliance . Age [PR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.2-8.5)], speech impairment [PR: 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6)], poor oral hygiene [PR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.2-4.8)] and tooth mobility [PR: 3.9 (95% CI: 1.8-8.1)] remained independently associated with a greater prevalence of discomfort (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Discomfort associated with the use of fixed orthodontic appliances exerted a negative influence on the quality of life of the adolescents comprising the present study. The determinants of this association were age, poor oral hygiene, speech impairment and tooth mobility. .

OBJETIVO: investigar os fatores determinantes do desconforto atribuído ao uso do aparelho ortodôntico fixo e sua influência na qualidade de vida de adolescentes. MÉTODOS: participaram desse estudo transversal 272 indivíduos, com idades entre 9 e 18 anos, estudantes de escolas públicas e privadas, que usavam aparelhos ortodônticos fixos (braquetes). Os participantes foram selecionados aleatoriamente, entre 62.496 indivíduos da mesma faixa etária. A coleta de dados foi feita em forma de entrevista e questionário. A intensidade do desconforto e variáveis biopsicossociais foram avaliadas por meio do Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP). A autoestima foi determinada pela Global Negative Self-Evaluation (GSE). A análise estatística envolveu o teste qui-quadrado e a análise de regressão de Poisson, simples e múltipla. RESULTADOS: embora a maioria dos indivíduos não apresentasse desconforto, observou-se uma prevalência de impacto na vida diária devido, exclusivamente, ao uso do aparelho ortodôntico fixo, de 15,9%. Variáveis idade de 15 a 18 anos [RP = 3,2 (IC 95% = 1,2-8,5)], dificuldade de falar [RP = 2,2 (IC 95% = 1,1-4,6)], dificuldade de limpar a boca [RP = 2,4 (IC95% = 1,2-4,8)] e mobilidade dos dentes [RP = 3,9 (IC 95% = 1,8-8,1)] permaneceram associadas, de forma independente, à maior prevalência de desconforto (p ≤ 05). CONCLUSÕES: desconforto associado ao uso de aparelhos ortodônticos fixos influenciou negativamente a qualidade de vida de adolescentes. Os fatores determinantes foram idade, dificuldade de limpar a boca, de falar e mobilidade dentária. .

Disfuncao gustatoria e olfatoria em laringectomizados / Gustatory and olfactory dysfunction in laryngectomized patients

Após a cirurgia de laringectomia total, o fluxo aéreo nasal é transferido definitivamente para o traqueostoma, comprometendo a chegada de moléculas odoríferas até a cavidade nasal, podendo repercutir em alterações na percepção olfatória e gustatória nesses indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as funções do olfato e do paladar em laringectomizados totais. Desenho do estudo: Estudo de série. MÉTODO: A amostra envolveu um grupo com 25 pacientes submetidos à laringectomia total e outro grupo de comparação com 25 pacientes não laringectomizados. A função gustatória foi avaliada por tiras gustativas de papel de filtro. Para avaliação da função olfatória, foi aplicado o teste Brief Smell Identification Test. RESULTADOS: No grupo de laringectomizados, houve maior frequência de hipogeusia (80%; p < 0,05), assim como de hiposmia (88%; p < 0,001), isoladas e concomitantes (72%; p < 0,001). Na discriminação dos sabores, o sabor amargo não diferiu entre os grupos, diferentemente dos demais sabores. No aspecto olfatório, os laringectomizados tiveram pior desempenho na detecção de odores de alerta e os relacionados à alimentação. Identificou-se que história de tabagismo e de alcoolismo foi significantemente mais frequente dentre laringectomizados. CONCLUSÃO: A diminuição das funções olfatória e gustatória em laringectomizados totais foi evidenciada nesse estudo. .

After total laryngectomy surgery, nasal airflow is moved permanently to the tracheostomy opening, compromising the contact of odorant molecules with the nasal cavity, which may reflect changes in the olfactory and gustatory perception in these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functions of smell and taste in total laryngectomized patients. Study design: a study of series. METHOD: The sample included a group of 25 patients submitted to total laryngectomy and another group of 25 patients who did not underwent the procedure. The taste function was evaluated by gustatory strips of filter paper. To assess the olfactory function we employed the Brief Smell Identification Test. RESULTS: Among the laryngectomized patients there was more hypogeusia (80%, p < 0.05), as well as hyposmia (88%, p < 0.001), alone and concomitant (72%, p < 0.001). Concerning flavor discrimination, the bitter taste did not differ between the groups - which was different from the other flavors. In the olfactory aspect, laryngectomized patients performed worse in detecting warning and food-related odors. We found that a history of smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly more frequent among laryngectomized patients. CONCLUSION: We found a decrease of gustatory and olfactory functions in total laryngectomized patients in this study. .

Anormalidades sensoriais: olfato e paladar / Sensorial abnormalities: smell and taste

INTRODUÇÃO: Anormalidades do paladar e do olfato comprovaram ser um tema bem mais complexo do que se reconhecia anteriormente. Diversas entidades nosológicas cursam com alterações olfatórias e gustatórias, podendo ser congênitas ou adquiridas. OBJETIVO: Analisar os principais aspectos das disfunções olfatórias e gustatórias. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas as bases de dados informatizados para a coleta de dados, tendo como palavras-chave "alteração", "olfato" e "paladar". Realizou-se também busca não-sistemática em publicações científicas e livros médicos. REVISÃO DA LITERATURA: Disfunções olfatórias e gustatórias possuem etiologia variada, destacando-se as doenças nasais e sinusais obstrutivas, infecções do trato respiratório superior, traumatismo cranioencefálico, envelhecimento, exposição a tóxicos e algumas medicações, neoplasias nasais ou intracranianas, patologias psiquiátricas e neurológicas, iatrogenia, causas idiopáticas e congênitas. Anamnese detalhada, exame físico atencioso e exames complementares adequados são importantes para o diagnóstico dessas alterações. CONCLUSÃO: Disfunções olfatórias e gustatórias frequentemente ocorrem juntas. A detecção precoce de tais disfunções pode levar a um tratamento mais efetivo, retardando a progressão das doenças que as ocasionam e atenuando a severidade dos sintomas. Em muitos casos o tratamento dessas alterações não é fácil e é necessária uma cooperação interdisciplinar entre o otorrinolaringologista, endocrinologista, neurologista, psiquiatra entre outros.

INTRODUCTION: Taste and smell abnormalities have proven to be an extremely more complex subject than previously regarded. Wide-ranging nosologic entities arise along with smell and taste alterations, and they can be congenital or acquired. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the main features of smell and taste dysfunctions. METHOD: Automated databases were used to collect data, by searching keywords like 'alteration', 'smell', and 'taste'. A non-systematic search was also made in scientific printings and medical books. LITERATURE REVIEW: Smell and taste dysfunctions have a vast etiology, the most significant of which are obstructive nasal and sinusal disease, infections of the upper respiratory tract, cranioencephalic trauma, aging, exposure to toxics and some drugs, nasal or intracranial neoplasias, psychiatric and neurological pathologies, iatrogenic disease, idiopathic and congenital causes. A detailed anamnesis, a careful physical examination and supplementary evaluations are important for the diagnosis of these alterations. CONCLUSION: As a rule, smell and taste dysfunctions occur in a combined way. The early discovery of such dysfunctions can lead to a more efficient treatment, making the progress of diseases causing them retard and the symptoms less severe. In many cases, treating these alterations is not easy and there needs to be a multidisciplinary cooperation among the otorhinolaryngologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, among others.