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Mucormycosis. Adjunctive therapy with hydrogen peroxide
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
Virginia Medical Quarterly : VMQ
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Topical hydrogen peroxide soaks offer a novel adjunctive treatment for mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection. This approach showed success in two diabetic patients unresponsive to standard therapies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, including diabetics.
- Standard treatments like surgical debridement and Amphotericin B have limitations and variable success rates.
- Alternative and adjunctive therapies are crucial for managing refractory cases.
Observation:
- Two diabetic patients with severe, recurrent mucormycosis (rhinoorbital and sphenoid sinus) showed no improvement with intravenous Amphotericin B.
- Both patients had undergone prior surgical interventions (maxillectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery).
Findings:
- Application of 1/2 strength topical hydrogen peroxide soaks led to the apparent eradication of fungal infections in both patients.
- Hydrogen peroxide likely exerts its antifungal effect through oxidation, potentially affecting both the fungus and surrounding tissues.
- This suggests a novel mechanism for treating mucormycosis.
Implications:
- Topical hydrogen peroxide soaks may represent a valuable, accessible adjunctive treatment for mucormycosis.
- Further research is warranted to validate the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach.
- This could offer a new strategy for managing devastating fungal infections in vulnerable patient populations.