COVID-19 associated mucormycosis at territory care hospital in South India - A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Globally, several cases of mucormycosis have been diagnosed in patients with COVID-19, and the entity is described as COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). CAM is an emerging problem necessitating increased vigilance in COVID-19 patients, even those who have recovered. The objective was to study this cluster of cases admitted to KIMS Hospital to study the characteristics of the patients, co-morbidities, and intervention for the care. Methods: Retrospectively reviewed EMR (Electronic Medical record) at KIMS Hospitals Secunderabad from March 2021 to October 2021. Case identification was based on the global guideline for the diagnosis and management of mucormycosis. For all cases, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was routinely obtained on admission, the history, the clinical presentation and course, and the radiological findings were recorded. We examined clinical features, surgical treatment approaches, medical management and type of drug used and outcomes of each case. Results: In total 80% of case were male and all patients had an average duration of hospitalization for a week. The outcome of the Intervention at KIMS Hospital was 90.8% survival with sequelae followed by regular visit to hospital for antifungal treatment. Conclusion: In our study we found that there was a strong association between the treatment outcome and co-morbidities (χ2 value=14.8, p-value<0.05). Improved outcome was possible because of early aggressive approach and involvement of multidisciplinary team.

Keywords

• covid-19
• india
• mucormycosis
• cam
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• sars-cov-2