Truths and fakes in the smell terminology during the COVID?19 outbreak

Click here to view the Brief Report by J. R. Lechien et al We read interesting article published al. [1 about recovery of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with COVID-19. Despite encoring results, we would like highlight some confusing concepts and terms. The proper use them ensure comparable results future papers. Hence, this letter aims clarify inaccurate definitions used smell terminology. During COVID-19 outbreak, many articles on OD have been [2. is well documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, several issues concerning problem remain be answered further studies will published. evaluate progression ‘objective evaluations’ consisted Sniffin’ Sticks test. Nevertheless, test subjective as are most olfactometries. This mistake not uncommon authors refer ‘Sniffin’ Sticks’ an objective evaluation [2, 3. In point fact, one that detects changes central neural system does require patient´s collaboration [4. Only evoked potentials, electro-olphatogram, functional magnetic resonance imaging positron emission tomography tests OD. Subjective evaluations depend patient collaboration, culture, environmental factors, medical history, explorer type study A large number psychophysical olfactometric available such ‘University Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test’ (UPSIT), ‘Smell Test™,’ ‘Barcelona Test-24 (BAST-24),’ ‘Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center’ (CCCRC), ‘Japanese odour stick identification test’ (OSIT (11)), ‘Scandinavian Odor (SOIT, (12)), Diskettes’ or Sticks,’ amongst others 4, 5. Although all can used, must validated for assessed population due cultural variability odorant detection. If a has properly validated, it should given population. Data from reported publications ‘TDI score,’ which derived sum obtained those three [6. Previous work, 6 countries, established term ‘hyposmia’ subjects TDI score <31 ‘anosmia’ <16 [6, 7. However, cut-off values might also studied. article, was evaluated using Sniffin´s Sticks. classified into 3 categories: normosmia (score 12–16), hyposmia 9–11) anosmia (<9). best our knowledge, there no validating classification. Using non-validated classifications bias when comparing other studies, whilst incorrect lead us wrong conclusions. As describe, presented score.’ conclusion, caused infection very fashionable topic. published, more expected coming years. Therefore, suitable correct terminology, well-validated unified indispensable achieve homogeneous results. None.