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Prevalence of Smell or Taste Dysfunction Among Children With COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors :
Qingzi Yan
Dan Qiu
Xiang Liu
Xiaolan Guo
Yixiang Hu
Source :
Frontiers in Pediatrics, Vol 9 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2021.

Abstract

Background: Smell and taste dysfunctions are common and have been reported as an early indicator of COVID-19. The prevalence of smell and taste dysfunctions among children with COVID-19 varies greatly across studies, which remains to be summarized quantitatively. This review aimed at examining the pooled prevalence of smell or taste dysfunctions among children with COVID-19, summarizing possible causes of the inconsistencies in the current estimates.Methods: Systematic searches of databases were conducted for literature published until 12 January 2021. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, the pooled prevalence was combined using random effects model. The Loney criteria were used for quality assessment.Results: A total of 18 eligible studies were included. The results showed that the pooled prevalence of smell dysfunction among children with COVID-19 was 15.97% (95% CI: 8.18–23.77%), the pooled prevalence of taste dysfunction among children with COVID-19 was 9.20% (95% CI: 4.25–14.16%), the pooled prevalence of smell or taste dysfunction among children with COVID-19 was 15.50% (95% CI: 10.30–20.70%) and the pooled prevalence of smell and taste dysfunction among children with COVID-19 was 20.21% (95% CI: 14.14–26.28%). Higher smell or taste dysfunction rates were associated with being female, younger age, smaller sample size, patients in Asia, and with comorbidities.Conclusions: Evidence suggests that smell or taste dysfunctions were common among children with COVID-19. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing and treating smell and taste dysfunctions among children with COVID-19.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22962360
Volume :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Pediatrics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.25414ceddc4e48c68f1da056ef819c4e
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.686600