Adjunctive use of saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) with liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) in mucormycosis achieves favorable response, shortened dose and duration of amphotericin: A retrospective study from a COVID-19 tertiary care center.

PURPOSE: Second wave of COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an unprecedented rise in cases of mucormycosis, treatment of which has been challenging owing to the availability and side effects associated with amphotericin.

METHODS

All patients presenting with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) following COVID-19 infection between April 2021 to June 2021 were included in this retrospective interventional study. Primary objective was to assess the clinical response with combination of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (4-5 mg/kg/day) and saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) given orally along with surgical debridement.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients of ROCM were treated with the regimen. Mean age and fasting blood sugar levels were 53.48 years and 239.64 mg/dL respectively. All patients had history of intake of steroids with a mean daily dose of 86.39 mg of prednisolone equivalent. 88% of patients had a "proven" diagnosis of mucormycosis. Cultures were positive in 52% of patients with Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species. The mean daily dose of amphotericin received was 268 mg/day with a mean duration of 9.52 days. Mean daily dose of SSKI was 2.57 g. 21 patients (84%) had stabilization of disease at week 8 and achieved cure at the end of treatment whereas the mortality rate was 16%. Factors that significantly affected outcome were eye and central nervous system (CNS) involvement on presentation.

CONCLUSION

SSKI, with its remarkably low cost and safety profile, makes it a potential adjuvant drug that may help achieve the twin benefits of shortened duration and dose of LAMB.