Gender disparity in stoke: Women have higher ICH scores than men at initial ED presentation for intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine what if any differences in presentation exist between men and women who present with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to the emergency department (ED). MethodsThis was an IRB approved prospective cohort study of ED patients presenting with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Statistical analyses were performed in JMP 14.1. Non parametric methods were used for skewed variables. The study was conducted in a comprehensive stroke center. The independent variable was the ICH score, and the dependent variable of interest was ultimate disposition (death or hospice vs. home or skilled nursing facility). ResultsThe cohort consisted of 129 patients (54 women and 75 men). The median age was 71 years (IQR 58-81). The baseline co-morbidities were similar between both men and women and whether or not they were independent in their activities of daily living prior to experiencing their ICH. The overall median ICH score for women was 2, IQR 1-4, and 1 for men, IQR 1-2 (P = 0.0369) . A higher ICH score was significantly associated with in-hospital death and or hospice status (P = .0095, 95% CI 0.6340 – 0.4825). Conversely, a lower ICH score was significantly associated with being discharged home (P< 0.001, 95% CI -0.1694 to -0.0759). ConclusionWomen have higher ICH scores than men at initial ED presentation for intracerebral hemorrhage. A higher ICH score is significantly associated with the worse outcomes of death and/or hospice.