Olfactory event-related potentials: a new approach for the evaluation of olfaction in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with chemo-radiotherapy. Issue 5 (2nd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galletti, B; Santoro, R; Mannella, V K; Caminiti, F; Bonanno, L; De Salvo, S; Cammaroto, G; Galletti, F
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 130:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2016-03-02
• Subjects: Somatosensory Evoked Potentials; Radiotherapy, -- Chemotherapy, -- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, -- Olfactory Perception; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215116000761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Olfactory dysfunction is a possible side effect of chemo-radiotherapy performed in patients affected by nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Self-rating measurements and olfactory event-related potentials were used and compared in order to evaluate the impact of this treatment on the olfactory system. Methods: Nine patients underwent subjective evaluation of olfactory function (using visual analogue scales for olfactory symptoms and quality of life, and a six-item Hyposmia Rating Scale), and a quantitative and objective measurement (olfactory event-related potentials). Results: Spearman's rank correlation analyses highlighted significant relationships between the clinical scales and olfactory event-related potentials. Inter-group analyses showed significant differences in the latency and in the amplitude of olfactory event-related potentials between patients and controls. Conclusion: Taking into account the small sample size and the lack of pre-treatment assessment, olfactory event-related potentials seemed to allow a more objective diagnosis of unilateral and bilateral olfactory loss. Moreover, olfactory event-related potentials and subjective scales results were concordant.