Dysgeusia and Dysosmia in Chronic Kidney Disease: NHANES 2011-2014

ABSTRACT Background Dysgeusia and dysosmia are known to be associated with end-stage renal disease. Whether dysgeusia and dysosmia are associated with non-dialysis-requiring chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. Methods We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 2011-14. We classified CKD by stage using standard criteria for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the independent associations among CKD, CKD stage, and dysgeusia and dysosmia using a ChemoSensory questionnaire. Results After adjusting for the residual effects of age, sex, self-reported race, and diabetes, non-dialysis-requiring CKD was significantly associated with dysgeusia (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval) 1.34 (1.05, 1.70); the association with dysosmia was of borderline significance OR 1.27 (0.97, 1.68). Odds of dysgeusia were higher at more severe CKD stages. Conclusion Non-dialysis-requiring CKD is significantly associated with self-reported dysgeusia.