Sex differences in stroke.
Increasing evidence suggests that sex differences exist in the etiology, presentation, treatment, and outcome from stroke. The reasons for these sex disparities are becoming increasingly explored, but large gaps still exist in our knowledge. Experimental studies over the past several years have demonstrated intrinsic sex differences both in vivo and in animal models which may have relevance to our understanding of stroke in clinical populations. A greater understanding of the differences and similarities between males and females with respect to the risk factors, pathophysiology, and response to stroke will facilitate the design of future clinical trials and enhance the development of treatment strategies to improve stroke care in both sexes. This article reviews the current literature on sex differences in stroke with an emphasis on the clinical data, incorporating an analysis of bench research as it pertains to the bedside.
Turtzo
L Christine
LC
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
McCullough
Louise D
LD
D000208:Acute Disease; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012737:Sex Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D001241:Aspirin