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Recruiting NCT06482138

NCT06482138 Dysfunction of Olfaction After COVID-19 Infection: Morphological and Histomolecular Investigation

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06482138
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Condition Covid19
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 240 participants
Start Date 2024-01-24
Primary Completion 2026-12-31

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 70 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Biopsy and Cytobrush

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 240 participants in total. It began in 2024-01-24 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-31.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

Investigation of the mechanisms of persistent SARS-CoV-2 associated olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with well-documented olfactory function. The investigators plan to collect olfactory cleft biopsies and cytobrushes in COVID-19 patients and controls.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Olfactory Dysfunction group: Presence of evident OD (Parosmia, Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (TDI)-score ≤24, Subjective abnormal quantitative olfactory function; measured by a visual analogue score (VAS) of smell impairment ≥5/10 * Control group: No OD (TDI-score \>30.5.) Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of concomitant nasal mucosal pathology that might affect olfactory function or bias the study investigations * Use of anticoagulation therapy * Allergy to local anesthetics

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Laura van Gerven

✉ laura.vangerven@uzleuven.be

📞 +3216336342

Principal Investigator

Laura van Gerven

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

UZ/KU Leuven

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06482138 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 70 Years, studying Covid19. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT06482138 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06482138 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at laura.vangerven@uzleuven.be for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06482138 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Brussels, Belgium, Leuven, Belgium, Bruges, Belgium, Dresden, Germany and 3 additional locations.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06482138 clinical trial?

NCT06482138 is sponsored by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven. The principal investigator is Laura van Gerven at UZ/KU Leuven. The trial plans to enroll 240 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: April 2026  ·  Data Methodology