Gender Differences in Outpatient Peripheral Artery Disease Management in Germany: A Population Based Study 2009-2018

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major risk factor for morbidity and death. Despite clear guideline recommendations regarding outpatient treatment and pharmacotherapy, implementation is inadequate. Gender differences are becoming increasingly important, especially in patients with atherosclerosis.

Gender stratified PAD prevalence and differences in treatment by specialised outpatient care and pharmacotherapy were analysed in 70.1 million statutorily insured patients/year in Germany between 2009 and 2018. This was based on claims data according to §295 of the social code (SGB V) and drug prescription data according to §300 SGB V. Diagnosis of PAD was defined according to ICD I70.2-9 coding. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi square test for trend and two way ANOVA.

In total, 17 633 970 patients with PAD were identified, of whom 47% were female. Prevalence of PAD in Germany increased between 2009 and 2018 and was higher in male patients. Only a minority of 37.1% presented to a vascular specialist. Interestingly, female patients were both less likely to present to a vascular specialist and to receive guideline recommended pharmacotherapy. Overall prescription rates of statins and antiplatelet drugs increased between 2009 and 2018, however. PAD stages were stratified by intermittent claudication (IC) and chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). In CLTI even fewer patients received a statin, with the gender gap increasing.

The results demonstrate gender based differences in pharmacotherapy and specialised outpatient care of patients with PAD. While overall outpatient treatment by vascular specialists and guideline recommended medical therapy of PAD are low, women and patients with CLTI remain undertreated.