Evaluating predisposing factors and anaesthetic challenges in the emerging problem of mucormycosis in post COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The epidemic of Mucormycosis came hovering like a tsunami in Covid- 19 recovered patients during second wave of the pandemic.. Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive, angio-invasive, opportunistic fungal infection commonly caused by Rhizopus and mucor species. Mucormycosis can affect any organ system and pose several problems like uncontrolled diabetes, unstable hemodynamics, immunosuppression and difficult airway. Our study aimed to evaluate the predisposing factors and anaesthetic challenges encountered in Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis(ROCM) taken for surgical intervention under anaesthesia. Method: A retrospective, cohort study where we evaluated 100 covid-19 recovered patients who underwent surgical resection for ROCM under general anaesthesia. Hospital records of each patient were reviewed for demographic details, comorbid conditions, treatment modalities, covid associated organ damage, hemodynamics, surgical procedures, anaesthetic technique, and mortality. Results: Demographic data showed a male preponderance with 67 males and 33 females in the age group of 25-74yrs. 68 patients were ASA grade 3, 31 patients were ASA grade 4 and 1 patient was ASA grade5. Comorbid conditions showed 78 patients had DM, 8 patients had hypertension, while 14 had both.