Odor identification performance in children aged 3-6 years

Pediatr Res. 2021 Apr;89(5):1304-1309. doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-1083-3. Epub 2020 Jul 26.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nose / physiology
  • Odorants*
  • Olfaction Disorders / diagnosis
  • Olfactory Perception / physiology*
  • ROC Curve
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sensory Thresholds*
  • Smell / physiology*