Rhino-orbito-Cerebral mucormycosis during COVID 19 pandemic in western Uttar Pradesh India

Abstract

Mucormycosis (Black fungus) is a designated as a rare, rapidly progressive fatal disease of immunocompromised caused by saprophytic fungus of family mucorales. Early diagnosis with prompt medical and surgical treatment is the only tool available. Rhino-orbito-cerebral is the most common subtype. In India we saw a sudden rise in mucormycosis cases during second wave of COVID 19. This necessitated a systematic review of epidemic of mucormycosis in COVID 19.A Retrospective multi-centric study was conducted comprising of 51 cases of Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis with present or recent COVID19 in Western Uttar Pradesh positive status presenting to us during 14 April 2021- 31 May 2021.Either Type2 Diabetes Mellitus or history of recent use of steroids in high doses was present in all the patients. Contribution of virulence of the Delta strain B1.617.2 is significant. FESS with sino-nasal debridement contributes significantly towards mortality reduction and cost of total treatment by significantly reducing days of Liposomal Amphotericin B therapy.Early diagnosis with prompt medical and surgical management along with blood sugar control and avoiding use of high dose of steroids remain to key to mortality and morbidity reduction.