Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is an uncommon but serious fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality, caused by the angiotropic fungus. Mucormycosis has suddenly become a household term, causing great fear and panic during this second wave of COVID pandemic in India.
It usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals including people with uncontrolled diabetes, hematologic cancers, HIV/ AIDS, those with solid organ transplants or stem cell transplants and those on immunosuppressants like steroids.
The suspicion or diagnosis of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis triggers a medical as well as surgical emergency with special stress on the need for interaction and coordination among the inter-professional team to improve treatment outcomes in this life-threatening disease.
Urgent medical and surgical management by a team approach involving the Diabetologist, ENT specialist, Ophthalmologist, Intensivist, Maxillo-facial surgeon, Microbiologist and Neurologist.
Tight control of blood glucose levels and management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA if present, will mostly need insulin for control.
Increase frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose by glucometer. If possible, use continuous glucose monitoring by wearing a sensor.
If a patient is still on steroids, reduce the dose and discontinue it as soon as possible.
To discontinue the immunomodulatory drugs, if the patient is on any.
Proper guidelines of anti-fungal therapy like Amphotericin B or others.