Black fungus caused by steroid abuse

Around 40,824 mucormycosis cases were reported from across the country in which 3,229 patients succumbed. This prompted ICMR scientists to launch a multi-site, case-control investigation into steroid use and its subsequent effects. According to ICMR, proper use of non-rebreather masks during oxygen therapy in COVID patients helps reduce the risk of black fungus – an invasive disease that affects the nasal cavity, bones, eyes and brain with high mortality rates. Is.

Scientists have identified factors such as low oxygen surroundings, diabetes, improper dosage and duration of glucocorticoid use, immune issues and prolonged hospital stays with or without mechanical ventilation to be responsible for developing mucormycosis in Covid-19 patients. Identified.

The study was conducted at 11 sites to analyze the archived records for the period 1 January-30 September 2021. Cases and controls were registered between June 15 and September 30 last year. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Among the 1,211 participants, 336 were covid-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) cases, while 875 were covid-positive non-mucormycosis controls.

The study indicated that CAM was three times more likely to develop with the use of methylprednisolone than with dexamethasone. “The main objective was to examine the monthly trend of CAM cases among patients and to identify the factors associated with it. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by Mucorales. When steroids such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone were used improperly, it caused immunosuppression. In such a situation, the possibility of fungal infection increased in patients of Kovid-19 given steroids. Steroids need to be used with caution,” said Dr Samiran Panda, former Additional Director, ICMR and one of the study authors.