Odor identification performance in children aged 3–6 years
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Contributors
Abstract
Background: While valid and reliable olfactory tests have been developed for children aged >5 years, olfactory testing has not systematically been evaluated in younger children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the “U-Sniff” odor identification test in children aged 3–6 years. Methods: We included 160 healthy children (age range 3–6 years) and 14 congenitally anosmic children. Participants were investigated in two identical sessions. The “U-Sniff” test was used to evaluate olfactory function. A picture identification test (PIT) and the Kasel-Concentration-Task (KKA) were administered to identify factors influencing odor identification performance. Results: Age significantly influenced odor identification performance, with older children achieving higher scores. PIT and KKA scores correlated positively with odor identification scores. The “U-Sniff” test demonstrated a high test–retest reliability (r160 = 0.75, p < 0.001). It was possible to distinguish between healthy and anosmic children by means of “U-Sniff” scores starting at age 4 years with high sensitivity (79–93%) and specificity (88–95%). Conclusions: The “U-Sniff” test is feasible for children starting at age 3 years. In children aged ≥4 years, it is a reliable and valid method to distinguish between normal olfactory function and anosmia. Impact: Olfactory testing is reliable and valid starting at an age of 4 years.The study adds a systematic evaluation of olfactory testing in young children.Results of this study are especially interesting for clinicians in the diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1304-1309 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Pediatric Research |
Volume | 89 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
PubMed | 32712626 |
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ORCID | /0000-0002-7336-5815/work/153109635 |
ORCID | /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/153110423 |