Characteristics and mortality of acute stroke patients: are there any gender differences?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate gender-related differences in the characteristics and mortality of stroke patients admitted to the hospital.


METHODS
Prospective study of 296 consecutive patients admitted with a stroke and studied for epidemiologic features, risk factors, prior morbidity, neurologic details, acute-phase characteristics, acute mortality, and 90-day mortality. Patients were divided into male and female groups for analysis.


RESULTS
Male-to-female ratio was 163 (55%) males to 133 (45%) females. There were no differences in mean age (P = .10), risk factors, stroke syndromes, infarct size, acute-phase characteristics, or complications. Females were found to be less frequently on prior aspirin (P = .02) and had fewer lacunar strokes (P = .005). A trend was observed for higher acute-phase mortality in females (P = .065); mortality at 90 days was similar (P = .71).


CONCLUSIONS
There are no gender-related differences in patients admitted with acute strokes. A minor trend for higher acute-phase mortality in females may be due to their less frequent lacunar strokes and less frequent use of aspirin prior to stroke. Men and women with acute strokes should have access to similar services.
Sharma
Jagdish C
JC
Mansfield Community Hospital, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield, Notts, United Kingdom, NG18 5QJ. dr.sharma@mch.cnhc-tr.trent.nhs.uk
Fletcher
Sally
S
Vassallo
Michael
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology