A Comparative Analysis of Mucormycosis in Immunosuppressed hosts Including Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes in the Southwest United States.

Abstract Background : Mucormycosis (Zygomycosis) is an invasive fungal infection that carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and other immunocompromising conditions are risk factors for Mucormycosis development. We here describe the differences in characteristics and outcomes of Mucormycosis among solid organ transplant, hematological malignancy, and diabetes mellitus groups at our institution. Methods : We conducted a retrospective chart review over the period of 2009-2020, with identifying patients using international classification code (ICD) 9 and 10. Clinical, laboratory and outcome data were collected. Results : 28 patients were identified. 7 solid organ transplant, 3 hematological malignancy, and 18 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study. Three solid organ transplant patients experienced an episode of rejection, and another 3 had cytomegalovirus infection before presenting with Mucormycosis. 4/7 solid organ transplant patients had a history of diabetes mellitus, but the median HbA1C was lower than the diabetes mellitus group (6.3 vs. 11.5, P= 0.006). The mortality rate difference between solid organ transplant and diabetes mellitus was not statistically significant, 2/7 (28.57%) versus 5/18 (27.78%), P= 0.66. Patients with bilateral disease (pulmonary or sinus) had significantly higher mortality (80% versus 13%, P= 0.008). There was no difference in mortality outcomes among the different types of antifungal therapies administered. Conclusion : A multi-specialty approach is imperative in Mucormycosis therapy. While the underlying risk factors were different, the outcomes were comparable for the solid organ transplant and diabetes mellitus groups. Future larger and longitudinal studies are recommended.