Efficacy of pentasodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate in ameliorating
anosmia post COVD-19
Abstract
Abstract Objectives: An association between COVID-19 and anosmia has
been demonstrated worldwide. Calcium cations play an essential role in
odor transmission, including feedback inhibition. Therefore, it is
suggested that reducing intranasal free calcium cations with topical
chelating agent pentasodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate may improve
olfactory function in patients with anosmia post COVID-19 infection.
Design: Prospective controlled clinical trial to test use of pentasodium
diethylenetriamine pentaacetate for post COVID-19 olfactory loss.
Setting: ENT Department (Institution blinded for review). Participants:
Sixty-six adult patients with history of confirmed COVID-19 and
olfactory dysfunction persisted more than 90 days after SARS-CoV-2
negative testing were included. Main outcome measures: Participants were
divided into 2 equal groups receiving nasal spray containing either
0.9% sodium chloride or 2% pentasodium diethylenetriamine
pentaacetate. Olfactory function was assessed before treatment and 1
month later using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. A carbon paste ion-selective
electrode was developed for quantitative analysis of calcium cation
concentrations in nasal mucus before treatment and 1 month later.
Results: After treatment with pentasodium diethylenetriamine
pentaacetate, there was a significant improvement from functional
anosmia to hyposmia compared with sodium chloride. In addition, the
decrease of calcium concentration was recorded after treatment with
pentasodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate compared with sodium
chloride. Conclusion: Based on the results of the proposed study,
topical use of pentasodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate may be a
useful therapy for olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19.