Background Most patients with COVID-19 receive antibiotics despite the fact that bacterial co-infections are rare. This can lead to increased complications, including antibacterial resistance. We aim to analyze risk factors for inappropriate antibiotic prescription in these patients and describe possible complications arising from their use. Methods The SEMI-COVID-19 Registry is a multicenter, retrospective patient cohort. Patients with antibiotic were divided into two groups according to appropriate or inappropriate prescription, depending on whether the patient fulfill any criteria for its use. Comparison was made by means of multilevel logistic regression analysis. Possible complications of antibiotic use were also identified. Results Out of 13,932 patients, 3047 (21.6%) were prescribed no antibiotics, 6116 (43.9%) were appropriately prescribed antibiotics, and 4769 (34.2%) were inappropriately prescribed antibiotics. The following were independent factors of inappropriate prescription: February-March 2020 admission (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.18–2.00), age (OR 0.98, 95%CI 0.97–0.99), absence of comorbidity (OR 1.43, 95%CI 1.05–1.94), dry cough (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.94–3.26), fever (OR 1.33, 95%CI 1.13–1.56), dyspnea (OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.04–1.69), flu-like symptoms (OR 2.70, 95%CI 1.75–4.17), and elevated C-reactive protein levels (OR 1.01 for each mg/L increase, 95% CI 1.00–1.01). Adverse drug reactions were more frequent in patients who received ANTIBIOTIC (4.9% vs 2.7%, p < .001). Conclusion The inappropriate use of antibiotics was very frequent in COVID-19 patients and entailed an increased risk of adverse reactions. It is crucial to define criteria for their use in these patients. Knowledge of the factors associated with inappropriate prescribing can be helpful.

Atherosclerotic disease with a carotid IMT >0.9 mm increases the TA IMT and might mimic the halo sign. As atherosclerosis is common in this age group, we propose a cut-off of TA IMT >0.34 mm in at least two branches to minimize false positives in a GCA diagnosis.

Background There is growing evidence regarding the venous thromboembolic (VTE) pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Several studies have reported varying incidences of this disease. Objectives The main purpose of this study was to determine the real incidence of deep or superficial vein thrombosis in COVID‐19. The study also aimed to identify risk and protective factors for VTE. Methods Patients were consecutively enrolled and assessed with a bilateral Duplex ultrasonography of lower limbs during hospitalization. The exam was repeated weekly until discharge, and then follow‐up for 1 month. Results Two‐hundred and thirty‐three patients were enrolled. Mean age was 54.4 years (SD 12.7) and 47.8% were female. About 127 patients (54.5%) had comorbidities. At enrollment, patients were normotensive and had normal saturation (95.6%—SD 1.6, with a respiratory rate of 19.1 rpm—SD 4.0), with 130 needing at least supplementary oxygen therapy (55.8%). About 147 patients (63.1%) had at least 1 Duplex ultrasonography study performed and 1.7% had 5 or more studies. One patient had a distal posterior tibial vein thrombosis, which showed signs of chronicity and was congruent with the patient history. Therefore, the incidence of thrombotic events was nearly zero. Discussion Our study results suggest that performing a Duplex Ultrasonography screening protocol in stable COVID‐19 patient populations, who may need hospitalization but are without symptoms of vein thrombosis, is not founded. We presumably emphasize the advantage of using intermediate LMWH doses as well as early walking in COVID‐19 patients.

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