In a randomized, controlled trial of 26 patients who had lost their sense of smell following a COVID-19 infection, half received nasal injections of platelet-rich plasma derived from their own blood, while the rest received a placebo.
Patel knew the condition could last for months, that it was related to nerve damage and that few effective treatments were available. She also knew PRP has been promoted as a treatment for other nerve-related ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome. According to her research, SARS-CoV-2 doesn’t target nerve cells directly. Instead, it attacks supporting cells known as sustentacular cells, which have the ACE-2 receptor the virus uses to infect cells. These cells play a role in correct nerve regeneration, so persistent inflammation and damage to these cells may lead to long-term loss of function.
Three months after their first injection, 57 per cent of the platelet-rich plasma group had shown significant improvement, compared with just 8.3 per cent in the placebo group. Everyone recruited for the study had previously tried other treatments – such as olfactory training and steroid rinse – with no success.
Treatment? Mine came back all on its own.
Says 'has studied loss of smell as a symptom of viral infections for years'. So this is not just a covid thing, but from any serious viral infection. Wonder if they can fix this?