COCOS trial: COrticosteroids for COVID-19-induced loss of Smell-protocol for a single-centred, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hyposmia and anosmia are common in COVID-19. Most patients regain normal smell within 4 weeks, but severe loss of smell persists roughly in 20% after 2 months and may last up to a year or longer. These persistent smell disorders greatly influence daily life. It is hypothesised that COVID-19 induces inflammation around the olfactory nerve and in the olfactory pathway, leading to smell disorders. Corticosteroids might reduce this local inflammatory response and improve smell.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a single-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy of a short high-dose treatment of oral prednisolone for persistent loss of smell after COVID-19 in the early phase. We will include 116 patients with persistent (>4 weeks) loss

SUBMITTER: Schepens EJA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9378948 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature