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Mucormycosis: A triple burden in patients with diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic

A S Fathima1, Vakada Lakshmi Mounika1, V Udaya Kumar1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar 844102, India.

Health Sciences Review (Oxford, England)
|January 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rise in mucormycosis, a fungal infection, particularly in diabetic patients. Steroid use in treatment increases this risk, highlighting the need for careful glycemic management and further research.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • COVID-19 infections are associated with an increased risk of secondary bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection, shows a high prevalence in diabetic individuals with COVID-19.
  • Corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19 can exacerbate pre-existing mucormycosis or induce diabetes, further increasing infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted aspects of mucormycosis in the context of COVID-19.
  • To elucidate the role of steroid usage, iron, and zinc supplements in mucormycosis.
  • To discuss primary and adjunctive treatment strategies for this fatal condition.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a narrative review.
  • It synthesizes information from various disciplines concerning mucormycosis.
  • Focuses on the impact of treatments and supplements.

Main Results:

  • The use of steroids in COVID-19 treatment is a significant risk factor for mucormycosis, especially in diabetic patients.
  • Corticosteroid-induced diabetes can increase susceptibility to mucormycosis.
  • Effective glycemic management is crucial for preventing poor outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Careful regulation of corticosteroid indications and dosage in COVID-19 patients is essential.
  • Diabetic patients on insulin or oral anti-diabetic medications require heightened caution.
  • Further research is needed to address the triple burden of COVID-19, diabetes, and mucormycosis.
Keywords:
COVID-19DiabetesMucormycosisTriple burden

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