Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by ubiquitous fungi typically found in soil, spoiled foods, bread, and dust. The acute infection most commonly is rhinocerebral and is associated with metabolic acidosis. Mucormycosis spreads quickly and can progress from the paranasal area to the brain in a few days. In the case presented, a young diabetic woman had diabetic ketoacidosis and classic signs and symptoms of mucormycosis. Even after aggressive and appropriate treatment with surgical debridement and IV administration of amphotericin B, the fungus invaded the central nervous system. This article discusses current methods of treating mucormycosis and important critical care nursing considerations for patients who have the infection.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
1 September 1997
Articles|
September 01 1997
Citation
MA Hopkins, DM Treloar; Mucormycosis in diabetes. Am J Crit Care 1 September 1997; 6 (5): 363–367. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc1997.6.5.363
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
AACN Account
Sign InSign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionShort-term Access
Purchase short-term access on a pay-per-article or pay-per-issue basis.
$15 72 - hour single article access $30 7 - day full issue access