Evaluation of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis among hospitalized patients in Imam Reza hospital in Tabriz from 2019 to 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Since there is limited information about corona patients suffering from mucormycosis in Iran, and very limited studies have been conducted on these patients in the northwest of Iran so far, this study aims to investigate the condition of mucormycosis in hospitalized corona patients of Imam Reza (AS) Hospital of Tabriz from 2019 to 2021. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the target population is all people with corona disease who have mucormycosis. This study was conducted on patients who have been admitted to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz since 2019. Predisposing factors, treatment status, type of drugs used, and outcomes of hospitalization in these patients were recorded. Sample size was determined after accessing the hospital information system according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In this cross-sectional study, the clinical data of 20 corona patients with mucormycosis infection were investigated. The average age of the patients was 55 years and 55% of them were women. 80% of patients had a history of underlying diseases. In terms of mucormycosis infection, the average infection occurred about 24 days after the diagnosis of corona. Swelling and numbness were the most common clinical symptoms in patients with frequency of 80 and 70%, respectively. In terms of the location of mucormycosis infection; 95% of the site of nasal/sinus involvement was reported. 80% of the patients had a history of underlying diseases, of which diabetes was the most common with 75%, and 60% of the patients had uncontrolled diabetes. Mortality was observed in 30% of patients and no significant relationship was observed in terms of age, gender, and time of fungal infection after contracting corona and the possibility of death from corona. Conclusion: The average time interval between contracting Covid-19 and the diagnosis of mucormycosis in hospitalized patients is 24 days, and the majority of patients have predisposing underlying diseases such as diabetes, so clinical experts should be more careful about mucormycosis in these patients. and perform periodical examinations. The most common clinical symptoms of patients are numbness and swelling of the face, which can help to a large extent in the diagnosis and quick treatment of patients. Also, more care should be taken in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.