Post COVID-19 Mucormycosis-The Horizon.

Objective: Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis is a rare condition which recently has gained attention due to its increased occurrence in the post COVID-19 patients past the second wave. The current study retrospectively evaluates the occurrence of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis (Mucormycosis) in post COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) patients. Methods: A descriptive study included patients diagnosed with Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis (Mucormycosis) after recent COVID-19 infection. 110 patients were evaluated retrospectively with histopathological confirmation of Mucormycosis. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients who tested Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR) negative for COVID-19 except for three patients who were tested positive. Antifungal agents were given to patients following surgery. Results: A total of 110 patients with a mean age of 48.42 years were included. The most common risk factor was diabetes mellitus (88.2%). Sino-nasal, orbital, palatal and intracranial involvement were 57.9%, 48.5%, 12.7% and 5.6% respectively. Histopathological confirmation revealed mucormycosis. The most common reported symptoms were periorbital oedema (20.5%), headache (20.3%), gingival swelling (18.5%) facial pain (18.4%) and facial swelling (18.2%). All the patients were treated with surgical debridement and antifungal medications. The overall survival rate was 95.32%. Conclusion: Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection. Patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection are more susceptible to it. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and intake of corticosteroids increase the risk of developing Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis. Early diagnosis and timely management can improve survival rates of the patients.

COVID-19-related acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: risk factors associated with mortality

Background: Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a rare aggressive life-threatening infection that affects immunocompromised individuals. Recently, an increase in the incidence of this infection has been reported in patients who have SARS-CoV-2 infection or recently recovered. This study was to assess the outcome and define risk factors that might affect the outcome in SARS-CoV-2-related AIFRS. A prospective observational study included 54 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2-related AIFRS. Controlling the predisposing factors, systemic antifungal, and early surgical debridement was performed. The mortality rate was calculated. Age, sex, underlying risk factors, the extent of the disease, debridement technique, and other biochemical variables were evaluated regarding their impact on survival. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Result(s): Fifty-four patients with a mean age of 48.1 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity affecting 52 patients (96.3%). Intracranial and intraorbital extension had a predictive value for mortality (P value 0.050 and 0.049 respectively). However, only intracranial extension was the independent predictor of mortality. Biochemical variables were higher than the normal range, but only serum ferritin level above 165 ng/ml was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with AIFR. The mortality rate was 38.9%. Conclusion(s): The extent of the disease has a major impact on survival, so early diagnosis of AIFRS within patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 or recently recovered is essential to reduce mortality.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).

COVID associated mucormycosis: A preliminary study from a dedicated COVID Hospital in Delhi.

BACKGROUND: It is an incontrovertible fact that the Rhino Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) upsurge is being seen in the context of COVID-19 in India. Briefly presented is evidence that in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, a dysfunctional immune system due to SARS-COV-2 and injudicious use of corticosteroids may be largely responsible for this malady. OBJECTIVE: To find the possible impact of COVID 19 infection and various co-morbidities on occurrence of ROCM and demonstrate the outcome based on medical and surgical interventions. METHODOLOGY: Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) was performed on each patient and swabs were taken and sent for fungal KOH staining and microscopy. Medical management included Injection Liposomal Amphotericin B, Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with RT PCR negative results for COVID-19. Endoscopic, open, and combined approaches were utilized to eradicate infection. Follow-up for survived patients was maintained regularly for the first postoperative month. RESULTS: Out of total 131 patients, 111 patients had prior history of SARS COVID 19 infection, confirmed with a positive RT-PCR report and the rest 20 patients had no such history. Steroids were received as a part of treatment in 67 patients infected with COVID 19. Among 131 patients, 124 recovered, 1 worsened and 6 died. Out of 101 known diabetics, 98 recovered and 3 had fatal outcomes. 7 patients with previous history of COVID infection did not have any evidence of Diabetes mellitus, steroid intake or any other comorbidity. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that ROCM upsurge seen in the context of COVID-19 in India was mainly seen in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, a dysfunctional immune system due to SARS-COV-2 infection and injudicious use of corticosteroids.