If you have been diagnosed with mucormycosis, you may wish to ask your physician these additional five questions:
1. What line of treatment will you recommend for me?
Mucormycosis’ treatment is an aggressive one due to its disseminating nature within the body. The following treatment protocols are generally followed in case mucormycosis is suspected and diagnosed:
a. Doctors usually start with an intravenous injection of a strong dose of Amphotericin B. Dosage and potency is determined by the physicians and specialists. They could use a 1-1.5mg per kg IV infused in 5 percent dextrose over four to six hours measure. Amphotericin B in Phospholipid Complex form of the drug with a dosage of 5 mg per kg/d IV is also an alternative/choice. Pediatric doses are suggested by physicians.
b. At times Posaconazole is used in place of Amphotericin B. The potency and dosage are prescribed by the doctors generally following the rule of 800 mg/d in two to four equally-divided doses with food or supplements.
c. Both drugs have side effects in mid-long term treatment and the doctors will go through your case depending on your medical case history.
d. Drainage and lavage of sinuses
2. Will I have to undergo any surgical procedures?
That depends upon further testing of your lung to confirm the extent and stage of mucormycosis you have. If required, you will have to undergo a surgery, which may involve surgical removal of fungal balls and dead or infected tissues after following a complete course of either Amphotericin B or Posaconazole. This has the potential of disfiguring the eye, nasal and palate cavities and a restorative surgery would later be recommended. Avoiding surgery could lead to relapse/recurrence and death.
3. Do I need to worry about anything before the surgery?
Before surgery is undertaken, certain key points must be taken care of and observed. They are:
• Ceasing any immunosuppressant drugs such as steroids before surgery.
• Interrupting any deferoxamine therapy if being given.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis requires insulin, correction of acidosis with sodium bicarbonate, and rehydration.
4. What complications can I expect during the time I am inflicted with mucormycosis?
The condition has the potential to run the patient into complications such as creating blockages in lung vessels and blindness. At times there is also loss of neurological functions. It is for these reasons (prognosis and complications) that persons with immune disorders should contact health professionals as soon as they run fever, sinus pain, eye swelling and other symptoms.
5. What is the prognosis for mucormycosis patients?
The prognosis for mucormycosis is rather depressing with mortality rates anywhere between 25 to 80 percent depending upon organs affected. Death rates are high even where aggressive surgical procedures have been undertaken. The mortality rate is staggering at 90 percent in cases of disseminated mucormycosis and 100 percent for AIDS patients.
Stopping the spread of mucormycosis is possible through frequent wound dressing, and avoiding the use of equipments used in dressing for other patients. People can also be educated about the disease, its underlying causes and this is especially important for mucormycosis survivors. Patients under treatment with acute neutropenia should be kept in rooms with High Efficiency Particulate Air filters.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com