Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection and carries a significant morbidity and mortality rate. Numerous cases of mucormycosis have been reported in association with
Covid-19.

A recent study published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews revealed a high prevalence of Covid associated mucormycosis in patients with diabetes and with a history of steroid use for treating infections.

A consortium of clinicians from various parts of India studied the clinical profile of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). The clinical details included the treatment and severity of COVID-19, associated morbidities, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mucormycosis. The study included 115 patients with CAM who had received corticosteroids.

Out of 115 patients from 23 centres across India who participated in the study, 31 patients required intensive care and was admitted to the ICU for a week or more. One of the most notable findings was that 71.3% had pre-existing diabetes and 13.9% had newly detected diabetes. Thus a total of 85.2% had diabetes.

The results revealed that the most common site of involvement was rhino-orbital. Mortality had occurred in 25 (21.7%) patients. On logistic regression analysis, CT scan-based score for severity of lung involvement was associated with mortality.

Dr.Jothydev Kesavadev, one of the investigators in the study said the remote glucose monitoring with the help of bluetooth connected glucose meters or with the help of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are some of the proven and efficient digital solutions which will eliminate excess exposure of the medical professionals to the virus but at the same time help in more frequent glucose monitoring and aggressive control of glucose.

It is surprising that mucormycosis though described as a complication of COVID-19, has been reported maximum from India. This is possibly explained by the high prevalence of diabetes in the country, which is second only to China. However, the death rates reported from India (36.5%) was less than the globally reported cases (61.9%), probably due to the predominance of mucormycosis which may pose fewer hurdles in medical and surgical management.