COVID-19 associated mucormycosis: A Descriptive Multisite Study from India

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2021 Nov-Dec;15(6):102322. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102322. Epub 2021 Oct 27.

Abstract

Background and aims: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection and carries a significant morbidity and mortality. A number of cases of mucormycosis have been reported in association with COVID-19. In this study, a consortium of clinicians from various parts of India studied clinical profile of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) and this analysis is presented here.

Methods: Investigators from multiple sites in India were involved in this study. Clinical details included the treatment and severity of COVID-19, associated morbidities, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mucormycosis. These data were collected using google spreadsheet at one centre. Descriptive analysis was done.

Results: There were 115 patients with CAM. Importantly, all patients had received corticosteroids. Diabetes was present in 85.2% of patients and 13.9% of patients had newly detected diabetes. The most common site of involvement was rhino-orbital. Mortality occurred in 25 (21.7%) patients. On logistic regression analysis, CT scan-based score for severity of lung involvement was associated with mortality.

Conclusion: Universal administration of corticosteroids in our patients is notable. A large majority of patients had diabetes, while mortality was seen in ∼1/5th of patients, lower as compared to recently published data.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Comorbidity
  • Diabetes Complications / mortality
  • Diabetes Complications / virology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucormycosis / chemically induced
  • Mucormycosis / mortality
  • Mucormycosis / virology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones