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Virus Load and Incidence Olfactory, Gustatory, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal Disorders in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
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  • Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini,
  • Abdolhalim Rajabi,
  • Masoud Mohammadi,
  • Hadi Razavi Nikoo,
  • Alijan Tabarraei,
  • Mohsen Mansouri,
  • Seyed Mehran Hosseini
Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini
Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abdolhalim Rajabi
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
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Masoud Mohammadi
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
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Hadi Razavi Nikoo
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
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Alijan Tabarraei
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
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Mohsen Mansouri
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
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Seyed Mehran Hosseini
Golestan University of Medical Sciences
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Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between viral load and the incidence and recovery of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OD and GD), incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Design: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Setting and Participants: In total 599 outpatients’ cases polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–confirmed COVID-19-positive patients in Golestan province were included in the study. Main Outcome Measures: The incidence of OD, GD, their severity and the time of recovery was determined. The association of these variables with cycle threshold (CT) values of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction was assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 38.27 ± 13.62 years. The incidence of general symptoms included myalgia 70.1%, headache 51.8%, fever 47.7%, and dyspnea 21.4%. 41.9% of patients had gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain 26.5%, diarrhea 25.2%, nausea 20.5%, and vomiting 12.9%. 12.2% of patients had comorbidity. The trimester recovery rates of OD and GD were 93.94% and 94.74%, respectively. The mean recovery time of OD and GD was 14.56±13.37 and 13.8±3.77 days, respectively. The mean CT value in all patients was 27.45±4.55. There were significant associations between CT value with headache (P=0.04), GD (P=0.002) and OD (P=0.001). Conclusions: The intensity and the recovery of OD and GD in Covid-19 patients may be affected by initial viral load. Unlike to respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, the OD and GD were associated with lower viral load. Therefore, it may be recommended to use these clinical symptoms as an indicator in the initial screening of patients during pandemics.
03 Mar 2021Submitted to Clinical Otolaryngology
15 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
15 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
21 Mar 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Apr 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
03 May 20211st Revision Received
04 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
04 May 2021Assigned to Editor
09 May 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
08 Jun 20212nd Revision Received
16 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
16 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
19 Jun 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
07 Jul 20213rd Revision Received
09 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
09 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
18 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Accept