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Medicina clínica y social
On-line version ISSN 2521-2281
Abstract
NUNEZ, Carlos Alberto Aguilera et al. Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 in Paraguay: Results from an Online Survey. Med. clín. soc. [online]. 2024, vol.8, n.1, pp.91-96. ISSN 2521-2281. https://doi.org/10.52379/mcs.v8i1.370.
Introduction:
Previous studies have reported that patients infected with the COVID-19 virus could manifest symptoms in the oral cavity.
Objective:
To evaluate the frequency of oral manifestations associated with COVID-19 in a segment of the Paraguayan population and determine the most prevalent ones.
Methods:
Descriptive cross-sectional study. An electronic survey was conducted from January to March 2022. The data were presented as frequencies and percentages and analyzed using the chi-square test. Statistical analysis was performed with R software version 4.0.3.
Results:
The sample consisted of 478 individuals. 79.50% were female, and 45.19% were between 25 and 34 years old. 65.48% reported having experienced at least 1 oral symptom or sign during the course of COVID-19. The loss of the sensation of bitter tastes, followed by the alteration of the taste of foods and the loss of sweetness perception, were the most common symptoms. A significantly higher proportion of oral manifestations was found in the 18-24 age range (χ²; p= 0.003). Among people who developed COVID-19 in a moderate to severe form, a greater number of oral symptom manifestations were observed (χ²; p= 0.044).
Discussion:
A high frequency of oral manifestations was identified in patients with moderate to severe cases of COVID-19, with taste disorders standing out as the most predominant. Younger individuals were the most affected.
Keywords : SARS-CoV-2; oral diagnosis; dysgeusia; xerostomia; mouth ulcers.