SARS COV-19 has resulted in prolonged olfactory dysfunction in many patients. The investigators aim to compare the effect of topical platelet-rich plasma (test) vs saline (placebo) in patients with covid-related post-viral olfactory dysfunction.
The investigators hypothesize that the use of topical PRP will improve smell identification, threshold, and smell-related quality of life in comparison to a placebo. This study will provide critical information for a promising new treatment of olfactory dysfunction with the highest level of evidence, in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Preliminary results from an ongoing pilot study investigating topical PRP is the basis for the hypothesis. By investigating the efficacy of topical PRP in smell restoration, the investigators will provide a less-invasive way to deliver this autologous product. A randomized trial will set a precedent for the use of this treatment to serve a growing population of patients affected with post-COVID olfactory dysfunction. Over a period of one year, participants with post-viral olfactory dysfunction will be randomly assigned to a test or control group and will visit the clinic monthly for three months to receive PRP or saline based on their randomized group. This will be followed by 9 months of at-home electronic visits. At each visit both the test and control groups will undergo smell testing and will fill quality of life questionnaire.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
120
Platelet-rich plasma will be placed on the olfactory epithelium topically.
Saline will be placed on the olfactory epithelium topically.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Effect of PRP on smell identification
Investigate the effect of topical PRP on olfaction via smell identification testing using a brief smell identification test (B-SIT). The change in smell identification with PRP or placebo over time will be assessed using B-SIT, a validated 12-odorant scratch-and-sniff questionnaire. The maximum possible score is 12, and the minimum score is 0. A score greater than or equal to 8 is considered normal olfaction, while a score lesser than three should raise a suspicion of malingering. Hence a higher score implies better outcomes.
Time frame: Every month for 12 months
Effect of PRP on smell intensity
Investigate the effect of topical PRP on olfaction via smell identification testing using SCENTinel smell test. The SCENTinel test assesses for odor identification and the threshold of identification. Every month the participant is provided with one SCENTinel card - a QR-coded Lift'n'smell card containing a single target odorant and two blank odorants. The QR code leads to an electronic questionnaire the subject must fill out. Results with less than 40% Odor threshold are considered olfactory dysfunction. Hence a higher score implies better outcomes. The change in participants' threshold of identification will be assessed monthly over a year.
Time frame: Every month for 12 months
Effect of PRP on smell related quality of life
Investigate and compare the effect of topical PRP vs saline on quality of life participants using the Questionnaire of olfactory disorders negative statements only (QODNS) scale. QODNS scale has 17 questions with each question scored between 0 to 3. The maximum score is 51 and the minimum score is 0 with higher scores being inversely related to the quality of life ie a higher score implies worse quality of life. The change in quality of life will be assessed monthly over one year.
Time frame: Every month for 12 months
Natural course of covid related olfactory dysfunction
Investigate the natural course of post-COVID / post-viral olfactory dysfunction in patients treated with placebo for the study by comparing the smell test.
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Time frame: 12 months from clinic visit