Post Mucormycosis Rehabilitation By Prosthodontists In Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry: KAP-Questionnaire Based Study

Abstract

Background: Covid-19 pandemic during 2019 left high mortality rates with mucormycosis (black fungus) as its deadly complication. The spread of black fungus has become global; hence it’s crucial to undertake necessary measures to prevent its spread. Prosthodontists have an inevitable role in the management of mucormycosis and educating the patients regarding the same. The diagnosis of mucormycosis is quite challenging. The treatment should start as quick as possible in order to decrease the death rates. Hence, the knowledge of clinical features and risk factors of mucormycosis is necessary for the prosthodontist in order to provide prompt treatment to the patient. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based online survey was undertaken amongst 183 Prosthodontists in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions which evaluated their knowledge, awareness and practice related aspects towards management of postsurgical mucormycosis patients. Statistical analysis was done by using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson and correlation tests. The statistical significance was defined at P < 0.05. Results: 93% of the study participants were private practitioners in the age group of 25 – 45 years. 106 out of 183 participants had good knowledge about clinical features, prevalent conditions (n=106) and its mode of spread(n=106). They have reported using various prosthesis, grafts and obturators for management of post surgical mucormycosis defects. Conclusion: Most of the participants were aware about mucormycosis, had reported cases of mucormycosis during Covid-19 and had also employed different methods for prosthetic rehabilitation of patients. However, due to the increase of mucormycosis cases during Covid-19, the practitioners have adopted various methods for rehabilitation. Hollow bulb obturators were found to be the popular mode of rehabilitation. Further research is necessary to develop a standardized protocol for management of post mucormycosis defects.