COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): A Single Hospital-Based Study

BACKGROUND: Opportunistic fungal infections like Mucormycosis in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have posed a great challenge to health care professionals, especially in developing countries like India. Hence, there is a need to understand the biological behaviour of COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis (CAM) to establish standard treatment Protocols and to reduce mortality. AIMS: This study aims is to assess the type of Mucormycosis among COVID-19 patients in study population and compare the findings with clinical, radiological and haematological parameters along with treatment and surgical management. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This retrospective, observational study included 60 cases of CAM reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the tertiary care centre, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli. Data about various parameters were tabulated and analysed statistically. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Bivariate analysis was done using the Chi-Square test to assess the relationship between the type of Mucormycosis and other variables. Spearman's Correlation test was used to assess the correlation between types of Mucormycosis with the other variables. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the response variable related to the type of Mucormycosis. RESULTS: About 50% of subjects presented with “Rhino orbital” type of Mucormycosis. Palatal discoloration and palatal erosion was the most common oral manifestation among “only Sinus” and “Rhino orbital” types of Mucormycosis (P = 0.00). Significant association (P = 0.29) was found between the type of Diabetes mellitus and Mucormycosis. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that DM is the most commonly associated comorbidity in CAM patients. Hence, a thorough understanding of the underlying comorbidity and its close monitoring during and after COVID-19 infection is mandatory for successful treatment outcomes.