LAUSR

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic had led to an increase surge of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients, especially in India. Diabetes and irrational usage of corticosteroid to treat COVID-19 were some of the factors implicated for COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). We designed this case control study to identify risk factors for mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. The study was conducted at a private tertiary care center in western India. Data was extracted from records of COVID 19 patients (Jan to May 2021) and divided into two groups: Those with proven or probable mucormycosis, and those without mucormycosis with a ratio of 1:3. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess potential risk factors for CAM. A total of 64 CAM and 205 controls were included in the analysis. Age and sex distribution were similar in cases and controls with the majority of males in both the groups (69.9%) and the mean age was 56.4 (±13.5) years. We compared the comorbidities and treatment received during acute COVID-19, specifically the place of admission, pharmacotherapy (steroids, tocilizumab, remdesivir), and requirement of oxygen as a risk factor for CAM. In a multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with increased odds of CAM were new-onset diabetes (v/s non-diabetics, adjusted OR 48.66, 95% CI 14.3-166), pre-existing diabetes (v/s Non-Diabetics, aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.4-6.1), corticosteroid therapy (aOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.2-10.9) and home isolation (v/s Ward admission, aOR 4.8, 95% CI 2-11.3). Diabetes, especially new onset, along with corticosteroid usage and home isolation were the predominant risk factors for CAM.