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Sex differences in clinical presentation, severity and outcome of stroke: results from a hospital-based registry

P Santalucia1, F R Pezzella, M Sessa

  • 1Scientific Direction and Emergency Medicine Dpt., Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Cà Granda Policlinico, Milan, Italy. p_santalucia@hotmail.com

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|November 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Women experienced more severe strokes and poorer outcomes compared to men. This study highlights significant sex differences in stroke presentation and prognosis, with women being older and having higher stroke severity scores.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Sex differences in cardiovascular disease and stroke are a growing area of clinical interest.
  • Understanding these disparities is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex-based differences in the clinical presentation of stroke.
  • To evaluate sex differences in stroke severity and patient outcomes.
  • To analyze stroke risk factors and treatment patterns across sexes.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of stroke admissions (ischemic and hemorrhagic) across five hospitals in Italy between January and December 2011.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, stroke severity (NIHSS), functional outcome (mRS), and treatment details.
  • Statistical methods were employed to compare outcomes between male and female patients.

Main Results:

  • A total of 1272 stroke patients (567 women, 705 men) were analyzed.
  • Women were significantly older at stroke onset and presented with higher stroke severity scores (NIHSS) compared to men.
  • Female sex was associated with worse functional prognosis (mRS≥3) and higher in-hospital mortality, though not statistically significant. Atrial fibrillation was more prevalent in women.

Conclusions:

  • Stroke is more severe and associated with worse functional outcomes in women compared to men.
  • Older age and higher stroke severity are key factors contributing to poorer outcomes in female stroke patients.
  • The findings underscore the need for sex-specific approaches in stroke care and research.
Abstract

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