Dataset Information

COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis Presenting to the Emergency Department - An Observational Study of 70 Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mucormycosis is a deadly opportunistic fungal infection and a large surge in COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) is occurring in India.

Aim

Our aim was to delineate the clinico-epidemiological profile and identify risk factors of CAM patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).

Design

This was a retrospective, single center, observational study.

Methods

We included patients who presented with clinical features or diagnosed mucormycosis and who were previously treated for COVID-19 in last three months of presentation (recent COVID-19) or currently being treated for COVID-19 (active COVID-19). Information regarding clinical features of CAM, possible risk factors, examination findings, diagnostic workup including imaging and treatment details were collected.

Results

Seventy CAM patients (median age: 44.5 years, 60% males) with active (75.7%) or recent COVID-19 (24.3%) who presented to the ED in between 6th May 2021 to 1st June 2021, were included. A median duration of 20 days (IQR: 13.5 - 25) was present between the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and the onset of CAM symptoms. 93% patients had at least one risk factor. Most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (70%) and steroid use for COVID-19 disease (70%). After clinical, microbiological, and radiological workup, final diagnosis of rhino-orbital CAM was made in most patients (68.6%). Systemic antifungals were started in the ED and urgent surgical debridement was planned.

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection along with its medical management have increased patient susceptibility to mucormycosis.

SUBMITTER: Ramaswami A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8420631 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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