Rui Li

Dr. Rui Li


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 May 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
XHXinyu Hu
Xinyu Hu
JLjingwen li
jingwen li
LCLin Chen
Lin Chen
RLRui Li
Rui Li
QLQingke Li
Qingke Li
Nian XiongNian Xiong
Nian Xiong
Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but its prevalence and associated factors beyond 2 years remain unclear. In this multicenter observational study, we assessed 155 recovered COVID-19 patients approximately three years after infection and included 170 age-matched healthy controls as a reference group. Demographic, clinical, psychological, and sleep-related data were collected through structured interviews. Olfactory function at the 3-year assessment was objectively evaluated using Toyota–Takagi (T&T) olfactometry. Paired baseline-to-follow-up T&T data were available only for a small exploratory subgroup of nine patients and were analyzed descriptively. At follow-up, 7 of 155 recovered patients (4.5%) met our T&T-based definition of persistent quantitative olfactory dysfunction, all of whom were older than 50 years. Emotional and sleep disturbances were also common, with descriptive trends toward higher frequencies among women and older individuals. Exploratory analyses suggested that insomnia (AIS > 6; OR 5.35, 95% CI 1.07–26.60; p = 0.033) and anxiety (HAMA ≥ 7; OR 10.54, 95% CI 1.21–91.82; p = 0.04) were associated with persistent T&T-defined quantitative OD, although the small number of outcome events limited statistical precision. These findings indicate that a small proportion of COVID-19 survivors have persistent objective OD 3 years after infection and that persistent OD is associated with anxiety and insomnia.