Study of Outcomes of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India: A Retrospective Study.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the global healthcare system. Among the various complications, mucormycosis, a fungal infection caused by the Mucorales order, has emerged as a significant threat, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Method This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 72 patients diagnosed with mucormycosis following COVID-19 infection between April 2021 and July 2021 at the tertiary care hospital. Data on demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, treatment received (surgery, antifungal medications), and treatment outcomes (mortality, response to treatment) were collected and analyzed. Results The mean age of patients was 55.42±12.31 years, with a male predominance (n=44; 61.11%). Facial pain (n=61; 84.72%) and headache (n=58; 80.55%) were the most common clinical features. The mean duration of symptoms was 14.31±5.4 days. Steroids were used in the majority of the patients (n=50; 69%). The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (n=42; 58.33%). Out of 72 patients, 40 (55.6%) survived and 32 (44.4%) patients died. Surgical debridement was performed in 45 (62.5%) patients. All 72 patients (100%) received amphotericin B, an antifungal medication. The older age and lack of early surgical intervention were significant factors associated with higher mortality in patients with mucormycosis in COVID-19. Conclusion This retrospective study reinforces the critical role of early diagnosis, immediate systemic antifungal therapy, stringent management of comorbidities, and prompt surgical intervention in improving outcomes for mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients.