Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ)

Abstract Introduction: Mucormycosis, an aggressive fungal infection, has emerged as a severe complication in COVID-19 patients, particularly in those with diabetes mellitus and corticosteroid exposure. This systematic review aims to assess the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and risk factors of post-COVID-19 mucormycosis.

Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Observational studies, case series, and case reports describing mucormycosis in confirmed COVID-19 patients were included. Data extraction focused on demographic details, risk factors, clinical manifestations, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed where applicable, with heterogeneity assessed using I² statistics.

Results: Among 1,245 cases, the majority were male (66.84%) with a mean age of 54.72 years. Diabetes mellitus (73.97%) and corticosteroid use (70.48%) were major risk factors. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis was the predominant form (69.80%). Antifungal therapy, primarily liposomal amphotericin B (80.97%), and surgical debridement (63.37%) were mainstay treatments. The in-hospital mortality rate was 41.13%, highlighting poor prognosis.

Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 mucormycosis poses significant challenges, with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, judicious steroid use, and timely surgical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Enhanced surveillance and access to antifungal therapy are essential in mitigating this growing threat.

Abstract Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection remains a major concern among dialysis patients due to the high risk of nosocomial transmission. Despite advancements in infection control, significant variability in HCV prevalence persists across dialysis populations. Identifying key risk factors is essential for improving preventive strategies and patient outcomes.

Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies assessing HCV risk factors in dialysis patients. Inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies in adult dialysis populations, while case reports and pediatric studies were excluded. Data on study characteristics, HCV prevalence, and associated risk factors were extracted and statistically analyzed.

Results: HCV prevalence among dialysis patients ranged from 9.38% to 15.04%. Key risk factors included prolonged dialysis duration (>5 years, OR: 3.45), history of blood transfusions (OR: 2.87), reuse of dialysis filters (OR: 2.42), inadequate infection control (OR: 4.12), and hemodialysis modality (OR: 1.89). Geographic variability in prevalence was also observed.

Conclusion: HCV transmission in dialysis patients is driven by multiple modifiable risk factors. Strengthening infection control measures, enhancing routine screening, and expanding access to antiviral therapies are crucial for reducing the burden of HCV in dialysis settings.