Temporal and Geographic Variations and Patient Factors in Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: A Scoping Review

The relationship between temporal and geographical variations and the incidence of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) remains unclear. Furthermore, the impact of social determinants of health on AIFS outcomes is poorly understood. The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the literature on these topics using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Elsevier, and Wiley Online Library during August 2023 for articles that included the following variables related to AIFS: (1) temporal/geographic variations and (2) patient factors.

Sixteen studies were identified for inclusion. Associations between AIFS and COVID-19 were observed in certain geographic regions, particularly during the onset of the pandemic when high-dose oral corticosteroids were frequently used. No studies specifically examined the impact of geographic location on the incidence or outcomes in AIFS. Two studies reviewed the relationship between AIFS incidence and season, producing varied results. While both demonstrated seasonal variation in the incidence of AIFS, the findings appeared to be dependent on local climate conditions. Female sex and Black and Hispanic race appeared to be significant prognostic indicators for worse AIFS outcomes. A predominant number of studies included did not report the social determinants of health.

This review identifies a lack of comprehensive research on the role of geographic, temporal, and social determinants in AIFS and calls for further studies to bridge these knowledge gaps.