To assess clinical outcomes and identify predictors of mortality in adult patients with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), highlighting the significance of these findings for clinical practice.
Key Findings:
61.7% one-month survival rate, decreasing to 50.6% at six and twelve months.
Diabetes mellitus was present in 76.5% of patients.
Corticosteroids were used in 90.1% of cases.
Elevated CRP levels were associated with increased mortality (P-value = .001).
Palatal necrosis (HR: 2.12) increased mortality risk; use of posaconazole (HR: 0.16) reduced it.
Median age of patients was 60.0 years, with 55.6% being male.
Interpretation:
The study highlights significant mortality risk factors associated with CAM, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and prolonged treatment to improve clinical outcomes.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
Limited generalizability due to single-center study.
Small sample size may affect statistical power.
Potential confounding factors not fully addressed.
Conclusion:
Early identification of risk factors and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with CAM, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
