Role of intranasal insulin in the management of post- COVID -19 Oldactory dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Olfactory dysfunction associated with COVID-19 is a significant issue that impairs quality of life. We address the potential of intranasal insulin as a therapeutic agent considering the limitation of viable medicines for this issue.Aim of the study: Assessment of intranasal insulin's therapeutic impact on post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction.Methodology: This study included 40 patients suffering from post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction at the ENT outpatient clinic of Minia University Hospital. They were divided into two groups: group 1 included 20 patients who received intranasal insulin fast-dissolving films while group 2 included 20 patients who received plain intranasal films (placebo).Results: The mean score of the Butanol threshold test for the intervention group was 3.4 while for the placebo group was 2.4 after the fourth session and the mean scores reached 5.7 for the intervention group and 2.6 for the placebo group after the eighth session reflecting a statistically significant improvement in olfactory function for the intervention group than the placebo group.Conclusion: Finally, our results showed that administering intranasal insulin to patients greatly shortened their anosmia duration. Notably, a highly statistically significant rise in Butanol Threshold test scores compared to pre-treatment scores highlights the potential advantages of intranasal insulin in treating olfactory impairment in patients who have recovered from COVID-19.