Post-COVID mucormycosis: A retrospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection caused by fungi belonging to the family Mucorales, and the fungus mainly responsible for infection in humans is Rhizopus oryzae. Recently, several cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis are being reported worldwide. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the emergency department at a tertiary care hospital for 2 months. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the risk factors of post COVID-19 the signs and symptoms, toassess the relationship between steroidal usage and post-COVID-19 mucormycosis evaluating the treatment patterns. Results and Discussion: In the current study, 45 cases were examined. It was found that patients with comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus, i.e., 80%, have more exposure to post-COVID-19 mucormycosis than any other comorbidity. It is also found that methylprednisolone is the major steroid used, accounting for 43% of the steroids used for the treatment of COVID. The treatment included the usage of lipophilic amphotericin B in 61% of the patients, which is associated with lipophilic posaconazole in 95% of the patients. Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 mucormycosis is a major threat to the individuals affected with COVID-19. The major risk factor is the presence of diabetes mellitus; therefore, proper measures must be undertaken in diabetic patients. Patient develops any symptoms related to the eyes, nose, face, lungs, and skin should seek a medical emergency to avoid chronic complications.

Keywords

• amphotericin b
• covid
• diabetes mellitus
• posaconazole
• postcoronavirus disease 2019 mucormycosis