Rhino-cerebral mucormycosis storm during COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study at urban tertiary care center
Introduction: The imminent threat has emerged in the form of COVID-19-associated opportunistic infections in India. Mucormycosis has been increasingly described in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. We attempted to study the epidemiological factors, clinical presentation, and outcome in such pat...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Annals of Medical Science and Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/amsr.amsr_61_22 |
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| Summary: | Introduction:
The imminent threat has emerged in the form of COVID-19-associated opportunistic infections in India. Mucormycosis has been increasingly described in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. We attempted to study the epidemiological factors, clinical presentation, and outcome in such patients which have not been well described.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 47 patients diagnosed with mucormycosis infection in tissue sections of patients with a history of COVID-19 disease were included in the study. A detailed clinical history including radiological and microbiological findings was retrieved from the case sheets. Histopathology slides were reviewed and correlated with clinical findings.
Results:
The males were commonly affected than females. The most common age group for females was slightly more than males. Out of 47 patients of mucormycosis, 37 (78.72%) have associated diseases. The 29 were known patients of diabetes mellitus, of which 16 patients had also associated hypertension. Thirty-nine patients received steroids during the hospital stay. Treatment with steroids and hyperglycemia were the most common risk factor for mucormycosis in post-COVID-19 disease.
Discussion:
Apart from severe COVID-19 disease, treatment with steroids, and hyperglycemia, other possible factors for mucormycosis include immune dysregulation and hyperferritinemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys for the reduction of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of mucormycosis requires expertise and interdisciplinary co-ordination. Craniofacial pain in patients with a history of severe COVID-19 disease, a diagnosis of mucormycosis must be suspected.
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis of mucormycosis. |
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| ISSN: | 2949-785X 2949-7868 |