A Study on Enumeration of Factors Prone to the Development of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis

Abstract

Abstract Background  Patients with pre-existing chronic medical conditions with altered immunity are prone to COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). Objective  In this study, our objectives were to identify the risk factors that increase the chances of developing CAM and to determine the severity of the risk factors of CAM. Thereby, we can optimize the modifiable risk factors for developing CAM in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. For instance, better control of blood glucose levels in COVID-19 patients can decrease the risk of developing CAM. Materials and Methods  The data was collected retrospectively from 1000 COVID-19 infected patients, above the age of 18 years during the time period of March 2021 to August 2021, in which 86 patients had confirmed CAM. Statistical Analysis  Binary logistic regression and curve estimation analysis were performed using SPSS software version 29 for identifying the associated risk factors of CAM with the significance of p -value less than 0.05. Results  Factors such as severe inflammation ( p  = 0.048), high dose of steroid administration ( p  = 0.005), increasing age ( p  < 0.001), and prolonged hospital stay ( p  < 0.001) were statistically proven to be significant risk factors, associated with CAM. Conclusion  Increasing age, severe inflammation, high dose of steroid administration, and prolonged hospital stay have association with occurrence of CAM.