Characteristics, Clinical Course, and Outcomes of Critically Ill COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis-a Case Series Analysis

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) predisposes patients to invasive fungal infections. Data on clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care is limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk factors, myriad presentations, investigations at various stages of disease, and management outcomes of ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 32 patients with mucormycosis hospitalized from 23 March, 2020 till 23 March, 2022. Demographic data, comorbidities, complications, treatment, and outcomes were analysed. Average age was 58.8 SD14 years with the majority being males (26 out of 32). Average length of hospital stay was 19 SD14 days. Average time from COVID-19 infection to the diagnosis of mucormycosis was 24 SD16 days. The most common comorbidities observed in the patients included diabetes mellitus (26/32), hypertension (23/32), and obesity (14/32). Twenty sever from 32 patients received steroids, 3 patients received Tocilizumab, and 26 received Remdesivir as treatment for COVID-19 infection. Treatment administered included antifungal medications and surgical intervention. In-hospital mortality rate was 41%. Quick diagnosis of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a challenge in turn influencing its management and survival.