Sex differences in patients with cardiogenic shock

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Medicine
• Sex Differences in Health

Background:

• Cardiogenic shock (CS) management and outcomes can differ between sexes, but these differences are not well understood.
• Investigating sex-based disparities in CS presentation and treatment is crucial for equitable patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients experiencing cardiogenic shock.
• To identify potential disparities in care that may impact patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a cohort of 978 patients with CS treated at a tertiary care hospital from 2009 to 2017.
• Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to assess the association between sex and clinical characteristics, treatments, and 30-day mortality.

Main Results:

• Female patients were more likely to be older but presented with similar CS characteristics compared to male patients.
• Despite similar presentations, women received less percutaneous left ventricular assist devices and more catecholamines and vasopressors.
• Thirty-day mortality risk was comparable between female and male patients.

Conclusions:

• Clinical presentation of cardiogenic shock is similar in female and male patients.
• Female patients with CS receive different treatment strategies, notably less utilization of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices.
• Both sexes face a comparably high mortality risk, highlighting the need to address treatment disparities.