Sex related differences in therapy and outcome of patients with intermittent claudication in a real-world cohort

Abstract

Background and aimsThe prevalence of lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is increasing worldwide and sex-related differences are a current matter of debate. MethodsWe analysed claims data on unselected patients with in-patient treatment for LEAD with intermittent claudication (IC; Rutherford grade 1–3) from 01.01.2014 to 31.12.2015. Data files included diagnostic and procedural information from two years before index, and a five-year follow-up. ResultsOur analysis comprised 42,197 IC patients, thereof 28,520 (68%) male. Male patients were younger (median: 66.4 years vs. 72.6 years) but presented with higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes (40% female vs. 46% male), atrial fibrillation (13% vs. 17%), chronic coronary syndrome (41% vs. 53%), chronic heart failure (23% vs. 27%), or chronic kidney disease (29% vs. 32%; all p < 0.001; age adjusted). Revascularisation applied in 80% of patients, thereof endovascular approach predominantly in female and surgery in male patients. Concomitant pharmacotherapy with statins (74% at 2 years) and platelet inhibitors (75% respectively) were long lasting below guideline recommendation, under-use being more pronounced in women. Two years after index, one-third of IC patients had subsequent revascularisation, one-quarter progressed to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), and 2% underwent amputation. Male sex was an independent risk factor for long-term mortality (female HR 0.75; 95%-CI 0.72–0.79; p < 0.001) and CLTI (female HR 0.89; 95%-CI 0.86–0.92; p < 0.001) during follow-up. ConclusionsThe majority of in-patient treated patients for IC are male, presenting with worse cardiovascular risk profiles. In view of a general under-supply with statins and platelet inhibitors, women received somewhat less often preventive medication. Despite low LEAD stages at index, serious prognosis was observed in the long term. Particularly male patients were at high risk for all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint CLTI and death.