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Sex Differences in In-hospital Mortality of Patients With Septic Shock: An Observational Study Based on Data Analysis
Xiao Zhou1, Na Zeng2, Pei Liu1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Insights
Female patients with septic shock face a higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared to males. This study highlights sex-based disparities in septic shock outcomes in Beijing.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Sex Differences in Health
Background:
- Septic shock is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical attention.
- Understanding factors influencing septic shock outcomes is crucial for improving patient care.
- Previous research has suggested potential sex-based differences in sepsis outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sex and in-hospital mortality in adult patients diagnosed with septic shock.
- To analyze demographic and clinical characteristics of male and female septic shock patients.
- To determine if sex is an independent predictor of mortality in septic shock.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3,643 adult patients with septic shock.
- Data collected from secondary and tertiary hospitals in Beijing between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019.
- Statistical analysis including logistic regression to assess the impact of sex on mortality.
Main Results:
- Female patients exhibited a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate (55.54%) compared to male patients (49.29%).
- Male patients had a higher prevalence of pulmonary infections (68.8%) than female patients.
- Logistic regression indicated that male sex was associated with a lower likelihood of hospital mortality (OR = 0.732).
Conclusions:
- Female patients with septic shock have a statistically significant higher risk of in-hospital death.
- Sex is an important factor to consider in the management and prognosis of septic shock.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms for observed sex disparities in septic shock outcomes.
Abstract:
Background: The goal of our study was to evaluate the association of sex and in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock in Beijing, China. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 3,643 adult patients with septic shock from January 1, 2019, to Dec 31, 2019, in all secondary and tertiary hospitals in Beijing. Study data were retrospectively extracted from the Quality Control Center of Beijing Municipal Health Commission. Results: There were 2,345 (64.37%) male and 1,298 (35.63%) female patients. Compared to male patients, female patients with septic shock had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (55.54 vs. 49.29%, p < 0.01). The median length of hospitalization stay for male patients was 22.71 days, while that for female patients was 19.72 days (p > 0.01). Male patients had a higher prevalence of pulmonary infection (68.8 vs. 31.2%, p < 0.01). The B values of sex in univariate and multivariate logistic regression were -0.251 and -0.312, respectively. Men had a lower likelihood of hospital mortality than women (OR = 0.732, 95% CI = 0.635-0.844, p = 0.000). Conclusions: Female patients with septic shock had a higher risk of dying in the hospital than male patients.

