ABSTRACT
Objective: Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection caused by saprophytic fungi that can rapidly progress and cause death in patients who are characterized as immunosuppressive. In this study, we discus nine consecutive patients we encountered during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the light of literature information. Methods: Nine consecutive patients with rhino-orbitocerebral mucormycosis were included in the study. Preoperative examination, preoperative radiological imaging, postoperative examination, and postoperative radiological imaging results of the patients were retrospectively analyzed by scanning their medical files. Results: All the patients who presented to us had facial swelling (100%). The gender distribution was five women (55%) and four men (45%). The age distribution was between 34 and 70 years, and the mean value was 58 years. The average ages of the deceased patients and survivors were 61 and 51 years, respectively. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection that can rapidly progress, and if left untreated, can cause the death of the patient within a few days. Therefore, it should be diagnosed quickly and operated immediately by surgeons experienced in this field. The COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt the regulations existing in additional comorbid diseases and increase the susceptibility to mucormycosis.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: While Covid-19 affects people of all ages, elderly patients are at the highest risk. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused sleep disorders and mental health problems as well as physical symptoms. Materials and Methods: A total of 142 patients, 71 Covid-19 patients hospitalized in the quarantine service and 71 non-covid, were included in the study. Patients were divided into groups of hospitalized in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards and by age (under 65 and over). The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality, the Beck Depression Index to measure the level of depressive symptoms, and the Beck Anxiety Index to measure the level of anxiety symptoms. Results: The sleep quality of those hospitalized in the COVID-19 ward was worse, and their anxiety and depression symptom scores were higher (p = 0.003, p = 0.011, and p = 0.018). The sleep quality of patients over 65 years of age was significantly worse than that of patients under 65 years of age (p <0.001), and anxiety and depression symptom scores of patients over 65 years of age were significantly higher than those of patients under 65 years of age (p <0.01, p <0.01) Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression symptoms were observed and sleep quality was deteriorated in patients aged >65 years who were placed in quarantine. Hence, this group of patients should be closely monitored in terms of psychological disorders and sleep disorders. If necessary, psychological support and medical treatment should be provided.