A Descriptive Analysis of the Use of Various Therapeutics in a Cohort of COVID-19 Patients and the Influence of Media Coverage

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacted the healthcare system immensely throughout 2020-2022. Treatment practices varied in Texas, as guidelines were in flux. As a result, a variety of therapeutics were used. Many verified medications with scientific basis were trialed, while others were implemented despite a lack of scientific consensus. This study aimed to identify how practice patterns to treat and manage COVID-19 changed over time in a cohort of patients in the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital system. Methods: Ninety participants with a COVID-19 diagnosis were included in the analysis for this study. Data was collected by a retrospective chart review, and included medications administered before and during current admission. Medications were categorized as: antiviral, antibiotic, steroid, supplement, antibody, hydroxychloroquine, and others. Results: Differences in therapeutic use were identified based on hospitalization status (outpatient or inpatient) and month admitted. The largest difference in the antiviral remdesivir (78%), requiring intravenous administration for up to ten days. In the outpatient setting, antibiotics, primarily azithromycin, were quite common. Additionally, month-to-month variation in steroid use and antibiotic use was observed. Conclusion: This study shows that adapting medical guidelines and strong media coverage played a role in the clinical management of COVID-19 patients. At times, some ineffective medications were prescribed such as hydroxychloroquine. Medical leaders and news coverage should collaborate closely in future public health emergencies to prevent the prescription of ultimately ineffective and potentially hazardous treatments.