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VOLUME 25 , ISSUE 11 ( November, 2021 ) > List of Articles

CASE SERIES

Mucormycosis in COVID Diabetic Patients: A Horrifying Triad!

Parshika Panwar, Shiv C Navriya

Keywords : COVID, Diabetes mellitus, Hyperglycemia, Mucormycosis, Steroid.

Citation Information : Panwar P, Navriya SC. Mucormycosis in COVID Diabetic Patients: A Horrifying Triad!. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021; 25 (11):1314-1317.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24025

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 16-11-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Infectious diseases with the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can be linked to various microbial and fungal coinfections. Mucormycosis is an invasive opportunistic infection that enters as inhalation of fungal spores through the nose or paranasal sinuses in diabetic and immunocompromised patients. We present our experience of managing seven cases of recent COVID-19 infection with uncontrolled diabetes who developed rhino-orbital mucormycosis. All patients were diagnosed by clinical examination and imaging and managed by emergency surgical debridement and liposomal amphotericin-B. A lethal triad of impaired immunity due to COVID-19 infection, state of hyperglycemia, increased use of steroids, or rampant broad-spectrum antimicrobials works as fertile soil and may assist in the growth or alleviation of a fungal infection. Healthcare professionals must be aware of the potential of secondary invasive fungal infections in diabetic patients with moderate to severe category of COVID-19 infectious disease, especially on steroid therapy.


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