Sex Differences In Patients Research Articles

Prognostic value of renal function for upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy: Sex differences

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively rare type of urothelial carcinoma. Additionally, only few reports have examined the sex differences in patients with UTUC. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the sex factors affecting renal function in patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Patients who underwent RNU for non-metastatic UTUC between 2000 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups by sex. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to evaluate the effects of sex on survival, whereas for the other clinicopathological parameters, hazard ratios were evaluated using the Cox regression model. The analyses were also performed in patients with different chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages. A total of 368 patients were included, 147 men and 221 women. Female patients had a higher rate of anemia, advanced CKD stage, and dialysis. Male patients predominantly had a higher rate of smoking. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no differences between sexes on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Multivariate analysis confirmed that ureteral tumors, advanced pathological tumor stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy indicated significantly worse survival outcomes in both sexes. However, only female patients with advanced CKD showed poorer RFS. After adjusting for renal function, the analysis found men had worse RFS. The female sex is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of advanced CKD stage, and dialysis among patients with UTUC who underwent RNU in our institute. Sex differences in renal function needs to be considered when evaluating survival.

Sex-Differences in Oral Anticoagulant-Related Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Introduction and AimData remain limited on sex-differences in patients with oral anticoagulant (OAC)-related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aim to explore similarities and differences in risk factors, acute presentation, treatments, and outcome in men and women admitted with OAC-related ICH.MethodThis study was a retrospective observational study based on 401 consecutive patients with OAC-related ICH admitted within 24 h of symptom onset. The study was registered on osf.io. We performed logarithmic regression and cox-regression adjusting for age, hematoma volume, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and pre-stroke modified Ranking Scale (mRS). Gender and age were excluded from CHA2DS2-VASc and CCI was not adjusted for age.ResultsA total of 226 men and 175 women were identified. More men were pre-treated with vitamin K-antagonists (73.5% men vs. 60.6% women) and more women with non-vitamin K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (26.5% men vs. 39.4% women), p = 0.009. Women were older (mean age 81.9 vs. 76.9 years, p < 0.001). CHA2DS2-VASc and CCI were similar in men and women.Hematoma volumes (22.1 ml in men and 19.1 ml in women) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (13 vs. 13) were not statistically different, while median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was lower in women, (14 [8;15] vs. 14 [10;15] p = 0.003).Women's probability of receiving reversal agents was significantly lower (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.52, p = 0.007) but not for surgical clot removal (aOR = 0.56, p = 0.25). Women had higher odds of receiving do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders within a week (aOR = 1.67, p = 0.04). There were no sex-differences in neurological deterioration (aOR = 1.48, p = 0.10), ability to walk at 3 months (aOR = 0.69, p = 0.21) or 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.18, p = 0.27).ConclusionSignificant sex-differences were observed in age, risk factors, access to treatment, and DNRs while no significant differences were observed in comorbidity burden, stroke severity, or hematoma volume. Outcomes, such as adjusted mortality, ability to walk, and neurological deterioration, were comparable. This study supports the presence of sex-differences in risk factors and care but not in presentation and outcomes.

Sex differences in patients with Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of motor and phonic tics. It is at least three times more common in males compared with females; however, the clinical phenomenology between sexes has not been fully examined. We aimed to contrast the clinical features between males and females with TS and chronic tic disorder. We studied 201 consecutive patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for TS, persistent (or chronic) motor and vocal tic disorder and provisional tic disorder that were considered within the TS spectrum disorder. We performed blinded evaluations of video-recordings and retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of all patients. Age ranges between 4 and 65years. Males represented 77.6% of patients in the cohort. Overall, no differences were observed in the frequency, distribution and complexity of tics between sexes, except for a higher frequency of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (P=.003) among males. Patients younger than 18-years old, in addition to a higher frequency of ADHD (P=.026), males had a statistically higher frequency of complex motor tics (P=.049) and earlier age at onset (P=.072) than females in the multivariate regression analysis. However, these differences were lost in patients older than 18years, due to increased complexity of tics in females with aging. A sexual dimorphism was observed between patients with TS mainly before age of 18years, suggesting an earlier onset of some types of tics and ADHD in males compared to females.

Sex Differences in the Patterns of Systemic Agent use Among Patients With Psoriasis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Quebec, Canada.

Background: Sex differences exist in psoriasis manifestation and expectations from treatment with systemic agents, including, conventional systemic agents (CSA) and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or ustekinumab (TNFi/UST). However, sex differences in patterns of systemic agent use, such as CSA discontinuation and switch from CSA to TNFi/UST have not been examined. Objectives: To assess sex differences in patterns of CSA use and identify factors associated with switch to (or add) a TNFi/UST and those associated with CSA discontinuation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Quebec health administrative databases. We included patients with psoriasis initiating a CSA in 2002–2015. We excluded patients with a psoriasis diagnosis in the 3 years prior to the first diagnosis date between 2002 and 2015, and those with a systemic agent dispensation in the year prior to that date. We used Cox regression models with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method to identify factors associated with Switch/add TNFi/UST, and those associated with CSA discontinuation. Separate analyses were performed for male and female patients. Results: We included 1,644 patients (55.7% females, mean age 60.3 years), among whom 60.4% discontinued their CSA and 7.4%, switched/added TNFi/UST (3.4% switched and 4.0% added) within a median of 0.78 years of follow-up. Among male and female patients, rates of Switch/add TNFi/UST per 1,000 person-year were 49.1 and 41.0 and rates of CSA discontinuation were 381.2 and 352.8. Clinical obesity in male patients (HR 3.53, 95% CI 1.20–10.35), and adjustment/somatoform/dissociative disorders (HR 3.17, 95% CI 1.28–7.85) and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.56–4.70) in female patients were associated with Switch/add TNFi/UST. Male patients followed by a rheumatologist (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94) and those with a prior hospitalization (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.87) were at lower risk of CSA discontinuation, while those initiated on acitretin (vs methotrexate) were at higher risk to discontinue their CSA (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30–2.01). Female patients with rheumatoid arthritis comorbidity (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.93), those with a dispensed lipid-lowering agent (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.88) and hypoglycemic agent (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.98) and those initiated on methotrexate (vs all other CSAs) were less likely to discontinue their CSA. Male and female patients entering the cohort between 2011 and 2015 were at reduced risk of CSA discontinuation compared to those entering the cohort before 2011. Conclusion: Most male and female patients discontinued their CSA within 1 year of follow-up. Our study highlighted sex differences in patients’ characteristics associated with switch/add a TNFi/UST and CSA discontinuation; treatment switch and discontinuation may be indications of treatment failure in most patients.

Sex differences in cortical thickness and diffusion properties in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective Cortical thickness and diffusion properties are important measures of gray and white matter integrity in those with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many studies show that healthy adult females have greater cortical thickness than males across numerous brain sites. In this study, we explored this sex difference in patients with TBI. Method Participants consisted of 32 patients with TBI and 21 neurologically healthy controls. All were scanned by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Differences in cortical thickness and diffusion properties were examined between groups (i.e., TBI/control, male/female). Results Patients with TBI had more cortical thinning (both hemispheres) compared to controls. They also showed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) for several major white matter tracts. Healthy females had significantly greater cortical thickness compared to healthy males. However, this difference was smaller among the patients with TBI. We found no sex differences in diffusion properties. There were moderate correlations between cortical thickness, diffusion properties, and cognitive performance, as measured by the Trail Making Test B. Conclusion These findings contribute to a growing discussion on sex differences in cortical thickness and diffusion properties. Sexual dimorphism could necessitate different clinical profiles, targets, and rehabilitation strategies in patients with TBI.

Sex differences in patients with takotsubo syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf Pol-tako Introduction Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute revesible left ventricular dysfunction which occurs mainly in postmenopausal women. Despite the fact that the most patients with TTS are postmenopausal women and the possible patomechanism is related to female hormones, including estrogens, men also suffer from TTS. Objectives The goal of this study was to compare course of disease and prognoses in male and female patients with TTS. Patients and Methods The analysis included 210 patients (192 women and 18 men) hospitalized at the academic hospital from the year 2006 to 2020. Results Physical stress was trigger of TTS more often in men than women (50 vs. 38%). There were no differences in the frequency of risk factors and comorbidities, with the exception of higher prevalence of smoking in men. Markers of cardiac necrosis were similar in both groups. At admission and peak NTproBNP levels were significantly more elevated in women (1527 vs. 3152 and 3752 vs. 5079pg/ml, respectively). ST depression was found more frequently in men than in women (22 vs. 5%). Ejection fraction was lower among male patients at discharge (50 vs. 60%), despite the same length of hospitalization. Beta-adrenolytics and statins were more frequently prescribed for women than for men (90 vs 78% and 68 vs. 31%) whereas ACEI was prescribed in 96% men and 79% women. Moreover, there was P2Y12 inhibitors were more often used in men (33 vs 10.4%). In-hospital complications (arrhytmias, mechanical complications, cardiogenic shock) were similar in both groups. However, mortality rate was higher in women (3 vs. 0%). Conclusions Clinical course in patients with TTS is similar in women and men. However, in-hospital mortality was higher in women.

Abstract TP214: Sex Differences In Non-Stenotic Carotid Plaque Burden Among Patients With ESUS

Background: Sex differences in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and non-stenotic internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque have not been reported. Non-stenotic ICA plaque has been identified in patients with ESUS, is inversely proportional to cardioembolic stroke risk in our cohort, and could represent a stroke mechanism in these patients. Sex differences have been observed in patients with stroke and stenotic ICA plaque. Thus, we examined whether sex differences were present in a cohort of patients with ESUS and non-stenotic plaque. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort of consecutive patients with ESUS was queried (2015-2021). Patients with unilateral, anterior circulation ESUS who had a CTA neck scan and a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) were included. Multiple linear regression was used to model independent contributors to thicker ipsilateral plaque. Results: Of the 273 included patients with unilateral anterior ESUS and adequate TTE or TEE, 133 (49%) were women. While vascular profiles were largely similar, women were older but had less significant ipsilateral plaque compared to men (Table). After adjustment for independent predictors of greater ipsilateral plaque, female sex remained strongly and independently protective against plaque thickness (β -0.46, 95%CI -0.83- -0.09), while older age (β 0.03/yr, 95%CI 0.01-0.04), tobacco use (β 0.38, 95%CI 0.002-0.76), and coronary artery disease (β 0.46, 95%CI -0.05 - 0.97) were associated with thicker ICA plaque. Conclusion: Non-stenotic ICA plaque may contribute to ESUS, but it is less common in women than men. Further investigation of factors that might account for this difference, such as hormonal factors, is warranted. Table.

Sex Differences in the Effect of Vitamin D on Fatigue in Palliative Cancer Care-A Post Hoc Analysis of the Randomized, Controlled Trial 'Palliative-D'.

Simple SummaryPrevious studies have shown an association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and fatigue in cancer patients. In the recently published randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial ‘Palliative-D’, the correction of vitamin D deficiency reduced opioid use and fatigue in vitamin-D-deficient cancer patients admitted to palliative care. No subgroup analyses in women and men were made in the Palliative-D study. This post hoc analysis suggests that the positive effect of vitamin D supplementation on cancer-related fatigue may be more pronounced in men than in women. The vitamin-D-induced effect on fatigue could not be explained by reduced opioid doses among the vitamin-D-treated patients. Future studies focused on analyzing sex differences in the effect of vitamin D in palliative cancer care is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.In the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial ‘Palliative-D’, vitamin D treatment of 4000 IE/day for 12 weeks reduced opioid use and fatigue in vitamin-D-deficient cancer patients. In screening data from this trial, lower levels of vitamin D were associated with more fatigue in men but not in women. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible sex differences in the effect of vitamin D in patients with advanced cancer, with a specific focus on fatigue. A post hoc analysis of sex differences in patients completing the Palliative-D study (n = 150) was performed. Fatigue assessed with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) was reduced in vitamin-D-treated men; −1.50 ESAS points (95%CI −2.57 to −0.43; p = 0.007) but not in women; −0.75 (95%CI −1.85 to 0.36; p = 0.18). Fatigue measured with EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL had a borderline significant effect in men (−0.33 (95%CI −0.67 to 0.03; p = 0.05)) but not in women (p = 0.55). The effect on fatigue measured with ESAS in men remained the same after adjustment for opioid doses (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the positive effect of the correction of vitamin D deficiency on fatigue may be more pronounced in men than in women. However, studies focused on analyzing sex differences in this context must be performed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Sex differences in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: Do they really exist?

Sex differences in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: Do they really exist?

Sex Differences in Long-Term Mortality of Patients with Hypertensive Crisis Visiting the Emergency Department.

Background: There are limited data on sex difference in patients with hypertensive crisis. We investigated sex differences in characteristics and long-term mortality in patients with hypertensive crisis visiting the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study at a tertiary referral center included patients ≥18 years of age who were admitted to the ED between 2016 and 2019 with hypertensive crisis, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥110 mmHg. Results: Among the 6,467 patients who visited the ED with hypertensive crisis, 3,131(48.4%) were women. Women were older and less likely to have acute hypertension-mediated organ damage than men. The 3-year all-cause mortality did not differ between women and men (16.9% in women and 17.2% in men, p = 0.738). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the 3-year all-cause mortality was significantly higher in men than in women (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.29; p = 0.031). In particular, among patients ≥50 years of age, the 3-year all-cause mortality was significantly higher in men than in women (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29; p = 0.038); however, it was not different according to sex among patients 18-49 years of age. Moreover, the 3-year all-cause mortality was significantly higher in men than in women among patients with hypertensive urgency (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.34-1.90; p < 0.001), which was reversed in patients with hypertensive emergency (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.84; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Men ≥50 years of age with hypertensive crisis, men with hypertensive urgencies, and women with hypertensive emergencies have a high risk of all-cause mortality. Thus, it is necessary to consider sex differences when predicting subsequent prognosis and determining the appropriate treatment for patients with hypertensive crisis.

Are there sex differences in patients with syncope and bundle branch block?

Abstract Background In the last years a substantial effort has been made to improve the understanding of the sex-differences in cardiovascular disease. However, no studies have examined differences in presentation and outcomes between men and women presenting with syncope and bundle branch block (BBB). Aim To determinate if there are sex-specific differences in the characteristics and outcomes of syncope in patients with BBB Methods Cohort study carried out in a tertiary hospital that is a reference center for syncope from January 2008 to February 2021. Patients (p.) with BBB and syncope of unknown origin after the initial evaluation without direct indication of an ICD were included. They were managed according to the current ESC guidelines. All patients underwent to an EPS and an ILR was implanted if it was not diagnostic. Results 374p. were included (75±1 y. o; 135 (36%) female). Mean follow up was 2.3±1.6 y.o. No differences in baseline characteristics where found comparing both groups, except that LBBB was more prevalent in female and RBBB in male (Figure 1A). EPS and ILR diagnostic yield was 44%/44% respectively in females and 50% /40% in males (p=ns). However, basal HV interval in EPS was significant shorter in females (Figure 2A). In the multivariate analyses female sex was associated with a significant lower risk of AV block (Figure 1B), and with a trend of less need of a pacemaker implantation (PM) (53% in females, 60% in males) (Log-rank 0.1) (Figure 2B). No significant differences in recurrences neither in mortality rate were found. Conclusions Female patients with syncope and BBB have lower risk of AV block compared to males, and only half of them required a pacemaker implantation. A strategy of direct PM implantation should be avoided, specially in woman. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Trends and sex differences in characteristics and outcomes in myocardial infarction: a 20-year analysis

Abstract Background There are considerable sex differences in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, the recent temporal trends in characteristics and outcomes in women vs. men, particularly in an Asian population, remain poorly understood. Purpose We aim to evaluate the sex differences in characteristics and outcomes, and how have these differences evolved over the past 2 decades in patients with MI. Methods From a well-validated territory-wide database in Hong Kong, we included patients with incident acute MI from 1999/01/01 to 2018/12/31. Outcomes of interest include, at 30 days, all-cause death, new-onset heart failure (HF), and ischaemic stroke. Trends in sex differences in baseline characteristics were evaluated using linear and Poisson regression, while differences in outcomes were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted with demographics, comorbidities, and baseline medications. A Fine-Gray model was used to evaluate HF and ischaemic stroke to account for competing risk, with all-cause death defined as competing event. Results A total of 130,218 patients (age 73.6±13.9 years, 40.0% female) were included. Women were older (79.5±11.7 vs. 69.6±13.8 years, P&amp;lt;0.001) and had a more pronounced increasing trend in age over time (interaction P&amp;lt;0.001). Women were also more comorbid overall (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] 1.25 vs 0.85, age-adjusted P&amp;lt;0.001), but the rising trend in CCI over time was less pronounced than in men (interaction P&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1). Women had more baseline hypertension, diabetes, and severe renal disease than men (age-adjusted P&amp;lt;0.001), while the increasing trends in these comorbidities were all more pronounced in men than in women (all interaction P&amp;lt;0.001). Women were more likely to have ST-elevation overall (P&amp;lt;0.001). Although the crude 30-day mortality rate was higher in women (32.6% vs 23.9%), after adjustment for confounders, they had a lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.97, 95% CI [0.96 to 0.99], P=0.003). There was no significant difference in the decreasing trend in 30-day mortality between both sexes (interaction P=0.787) (Figure 1). Women had a higher risk of developing HF (HR 1.04 [1.01 to 1.08], P=0.012) and ischemic stroke (HR 1.36 [1.24 to 1.48], P&amp;lt;0.001) in 30 days. Among patients aged ≤55 (N=15,324), women (N=2,161, 14.1%) had higher risks of all-cause death (HR 1.61 [1.40 to 1.85], P&amp;lt;0.001), HF (HR 1.64 [1.17 to 2.32], P=0.004), and ischemic stroke (HR 1.69 [1.14 to 2.51], P=0.010) in 30 days, even after adjustment for covariates. The excess mortality in women declined over time (interaction P=0.002). Conclusions Women MI patients were older and more comorbid compared to men, which contributed to the higher risk of death, HF, and ischemic stroke among women. Among young MI patients, the increased risk for adverse outcomes among women was particularly pronounced, though the sex differences in mortality reduced over time. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Shenzhen Key Medical DisciplineThe Sanming Project of HKU-SZH Cardiology

Time to Act: Women Fare Worse After Complex Endovascular Aortic Repairs

To improve overall outcomes, more attention is being paid to the importance of considering sex differences in patients with aneurysms, but the urge to act on the acquired knowledge also requires focus. In this issue of EJVES, data based on a large cohort of patients with pararenal aortic aneurysms treated endovascularly point towards the negative influence of female sex on post-operative complications and survival.1

Long-term follow-up and sex differences in adults operated for tetralogy of Fallot

ObjectiveAdults operated for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) have high risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VA). QRS duration >180 ms is an established risk factor for VA. We aimed to investigate heart...

Sex Differences in Patients With Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis Assessed by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: There are few data on sex differences in suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. Methods: Consecutive patients with histologically proven sarcoidosis and suspected cardiac involvement were studied. We investigated sex differences in presenting features, cardiac involvement, and the long-term incidence of a primary composite end point of all-cause death or significant ventricular arrhythmia and secondary end points of all-cause death and significant ventricular arrhythmia. Results: Among 324 patients, 163 (50.3%) were female and 161 (49.7%) were male patients. Female patients had a greater prevalence of chest pain (37.4% versus 23.6%; P=0.010) and palpitations (39.3% versus 26.1%; P=0.016) than male patients but not dyspnea, presyncope, syncope, or arrhythmias at presentation. Female patients had a lower prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (20.2% versus 35.4%; P=0.003) and less often met criteria for a clinical diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (Heart Rhythm Society consensus criteria, 22.7% versus 36.0%; P=0.012 and 2016 Japanese Circulation Society guideline criteria, 8.0% versus 19.3%; P=0.005), indicating lesser cardiac involvement. However, the long-term incidence of all-cause death or significant ventricular arrhythmia was not different between female and male patients (23.2% versus 23.2%; P=0.46). Among the secondary end points, the incidence of all-cause death was not different between female and male patients (20.7% versus 14.3%; P=0.51), while female patients had a lower incidence of significant ventricular arrhythmia compared with male patients (4.3% versus 13.0%; P=0.022). On multivariable analyses, sex was not associated with the primary end point (hazard ratio for female patients, 1.36 [95% CI, 0.77–2.43]; P=0.29). Conclusions: We observed distinct sex differences in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. A paradox was identified wherein female patients had a greater prevalence of chest pain and palpitations than male patients, but lesser cardiac involvement, and a similar long-term incidence of all-cause death or significant ventricular arrhythmia.

85 Impact of COVID-19 on Patient Populations in the Emergency Department in Flint, Michigan

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is necessary to elucidate its impact on services in the emergency department (ED). The research project aims to identify and analyze changes in medical presentations and disease severity within the ED at Hurley Medical Center (HMC) in Flint, Michigan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study is a retrospective chart review on HMC’s ED encounters focusing on adults 18 years and above in Flint/Genesee County in Michigan. Data collected for the study was obtained from patient charts from February 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019 and from February 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. Data from 2019 versus 2020 was analyzed using a combination of independent t-test, chi-square analysis, and regression modeling. There were a total of 59,345 visits analyzed within the study; 33,648 ED visits within the study were in 2019 compared to 25,697 visits in 2020. There was a significant difference in patient sex between 2019 and 2020 with a larger percentage of males presenting in 2020 vs 2019 (p<0.001). Furthermore, the ICD-10 diagnosis differed between 2019 and 2020 with significant increase in the percentage of infectious disease, COVID-19, generalized symptoms, pneumonia, respiratory failure/insufficiency/arrest, patients with socioeconomic factors, mental health, nausea/vomiting, patients with history or family history of chronic disease, disorders of lipid metabolism, and myocardial infarction presentations in 2020 compared to 2019. Dispositions also significantly differed in 2020 compared to 2019 with more patients receiving admission or dying in the ED (p<0.001). Patients who presented to the ED often presented with more severe illness in 2020 as reflected in increased length of stay in 2020 (p=0.01) and increased case-medical-index (p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the total number of ED visits to HMC in Flint, Michigan in 2020, when compared to the same time period in 2019. Notably, patients were more likely to have a longer length-of-stay, present with more severe illness, and more likely to be admitted or pass away in the ED when compared to the same time period in 2019. Analysis also revealed that visits for respiratory diagnoses and other life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction increased, whereas less life-threatening/acute conditions like sprains, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections decreased. Interestingly as well, the pandemic drove statistically significant increased visits for mental health and socioeconomic factors. Limitations include analyzing 6 months of data as opposed to the whole calendar year and the use of broad ICD-10 code categories. It is also important to note that diagnosis codes were analyzed versus what the patient subjectively presented for, so there is a gray area between being able to elucidate what motivated the patient to come to the ED and verus what was analyzed in this project as patient’s ICD-10 diagnoses.

Comparison of Outcomes after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation of G-CSF-Stimulated Bone Marrow Versus Non-Stimulated Bone Marrow Versus Peripheral Blood

IntroductionThe use of granulocyte colony-stimulated factor (G-CSF) mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) has largely replaced harvested bone marrow (BM) for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Numerous studies have shown faster neutrophil and platelet engraftment with G-CSF mobilized PBSC, leading to shorter hospitalizations; however PBSC transplantations have been associated to a higher incidence of chronic graft-versus host disease (cGVHD).Since the late 1990´s, harvested BM of healthy donors has been mobilized with G-CSF. This method increases the number of progenitor cells (CD34+) harvested, which leads to faster engraftment than with unstimulated BM (UBM).There are no reports comparing the incidence of acute and chronic GVHD with UBM, MBM, and PBSC used to treat diverse benign and malignant hematologic disorders. In this retrospective study, we compare the transplant outcomes of 160 patients from a single institution.MethodsThe charts of patients who received allogeneic HSCT between the February 2011 and September 2016 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed per an IRB approved protocol.Patients were treated according to current guidelines based on their primary diagnosis and functional status. Donors received Filgrastim (10 mcg/kg/day) for 5 doses prior to harvest. All patients received GVHD prophylaxis with methotrexate (on days +1, 3, 6, 11) and tacrolimus (from day -2 until 4 to 6 months after transplantation).Statistical analyses were performed using Minitab 17 Statistical Software 2010. A preliminary analysis was completed using Stepwise Regression/ Analyses of variance to determine any relevant covariates. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to examine group differences in demographic and clinical characteristics or time to engraftment.ResultsTwenty-nine patients (18.1%) received MBM, 36 received UBM (22.5%), and 95 received PBSC (59.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in patient sex, primary diagnosis, donor characteristics, or disease status between groups. Statically significant differences among groups in patient age were observed (p=0.032, PBSC>UBM>MBM).Engrafment: MBM was found to have a significantly quicker engraftment of the ANC (13 days), when compared to PBSC (17 days) and UBM (19 days; p=0.01). There were no significant differences in time to engraftment of platelets, between groups.Acute GVHD: MBM was found to be associated with a significantly higher incidence of aGVHD (72%; p=0.025) versus PBSC (45%) and UBM (44%). Odds ratio's indicate that it may be up to nine times more likely and eight times more likely for MBM to develop aGVHD, when compared to UBM (95% CI: 1.15, 9.35)Chronic GVHD: Patient's treated with PBSC were found to have a higher incidence of cGVHD, when compared to MBM (45%) and UBM (39%); however these findings were not statistically significant (p=0.145) but they showed a trend to significance.Discussion and conclusionHLA-matched donors as well as related donors have been associated with lower incidence of GVHD. In our study, 100% of MBM were from related donors, 72% of UBM were from unrelated donors, and 53% of the PBSC donors were unrelated. There was a higher incidence of acute and chronic GVHD in MBM, even though they were from HLA-matched related donors; the results were statistically significant for aGVHD and there was a clear trend on cGVHD. Additionally, despite having increased incidence of acute and chronic GVHD, patients who received MBM had better overall survival; this is likely secondary to graft versus leukemia. The main limitations of the study are the sample size and that it is possible that some of the patients have not developed cGVHD yet, therefore it is necessary to obtain data from a larger cohort and with a longer follow up, additionally, since this is a retrospective study access to grade and stage of GVHD is limited for some patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Individual variation in diurnal cortisol in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Clinical correlates

BackgroundThe cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a core biomarker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. To date, however, studies of HPA-axis function among patients with chronic pain are scarce and show equivocal results. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between CAR and pain-related outcomes and to investigate potential sex differences in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, KOA patients (N = 96) completed self-report questionnaires assessing pain and psychosocial factors and underwent Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT). Additionally, salivary cortisol samples (N = 60) were collected to assess HPA-axis function at 6 time points (awakening, 15- and 30-minute post-awakening, 4 PM, 9 PM and bedtime). The CAR was calculated by examining increases in salivary cortisol from awakening to 30 min post awakening and the total post-awakening cortisol concentration by calculating the lower areas under the curve of cortisol with respect to ground (AUCG). ResultsPatients with a relatively blunted CAR had significantly higher anxiety levels and lower PPT than patients with relatively normal CAR. Similarly, patients with a relatively reduced AUCG had significantly higher pain interference and anxiety levels compared to patients with relatively normal AUCG. PPT was positively correlated with CAR and AUCG and negatively correlated with pain severity and anxiety. Men with KOA had significantly lower anxiety, higher PPT and higher CAR and AUCG than women with KOA. Mediation analysis results revealed a significant indirect effect of PPT on the relationship between sex and AUCG. ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that neuroendocrine factors such as CAR and AUCG may contribute to individual differences in pain-related outcomes in patients with KOA. Additionally, our results show sex differences in the magnitude of morning HPA activation and pain-related outcomes. Finally, our findings are suggestive of a sex-dependent relationship between post-awakening cortisol concentrations and pain perception. Future research should examine these associations across various pain populations.

A retrospective study on sex difference in patients with urolithiasis: who is more vulnerable to chronic kidney disease?

BackgroundUrolithiasis is considered a vital public health issue with a substantial burden on kidney function. Additionally, only few reports focused on the gender difference in patients with urolithiasis. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of sex difference and their potential risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with urolithiasis.MethodsPatients diagnosed with stone disease from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups by gender. Clinical demographic characteristics, stone location, stone composition, urine chemistries, and renal function were investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship and potential risk of CKD between sex groups.ResultsA total of 1802 patients were included: 1312 from men and 490 from women. Female patients had a higher rate of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Male patients predominantly had calcium-containing stones, especially calcium oxalate stone, uric acid stone, and struvite stone. Carbonate apatite stone was more frequently found in women. Complex surgeries such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) were more frequently performed in women than that in men. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age > 60 years (odds ratios [ORs] = 6.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8–10.8), female sex (ORs = 5.31; 95% CI 3.3–8.4), uric acid stone (ORs = 3.55; 95% CI 2.0–6.4), hypertension (OR = 7.20; 95% CI 3.8–13.7), and diabetes (OR = 7.06; 95% CI 3.1–16.2) were independent predictors of poor prognoses in CKD.ConclusionsThe female gender is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of CKD among patients with urolithiasis. Therefore, women with stone disease may need close renal function monitoring during follow-up.

Sex Differences in Patients With Non-dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease on Serum Cytokines

ObjectivesCardiovascular (CV) mortality is higher in male compared to female patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but biological mechanisms for sex-specific differences are not established. Inflammation and high body fat are both associated with the development of CKD and CV diseases. Yet, little is known about the relationship between sex, body composition, and inflammation in CKD patients. The purpose of this study was to examine cytokines differences between male and female patients with CKD according to body composition. MethodsThis is a single center, cross-sectional study of patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD stages 3–5. Body composition was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated by the CKD-EPI equation. Cytokines were measured using an ELISA multiplex assay kit for interleukin (IL) 4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12p70, IL17, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFɑ), and interferon gamma (IFNγ). High fat mass and low appendicular muscle mass (ASM) was defined for females and males, respectively as ≥32%, ≥25%; and <20 kg, <15 kg. ResultsPatients with CKD (n = 167; 53.3%males) aged 60.4 ± 11.3 years, eGFR 30.9 ± 30.2 mL/min, and BMI 26.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2 were included. Age, eGFR, and BMI were similar in both sexes. IL4 was higher in males compared to females (6.5 ± 1.0 vs 3.8 ± 0.9 pg/mL, P = 0.04). After stratifying according to body composition, IL4 remained higher (P = 0.04) in lean males compared to lean females, both with adequate ASM, but this difference disappeared in patients with high fat mass (male versus female). Within sex comparison, females with high fat mass have higher concentrations of IL4, IL8, and IL17 compared with lean females, whereas IL6, IL8, IL17, TNFɑ, and INFγ were higher in males with high fat mass. ConclusionsMale and female patients with CKD present a different cytokine profile according to body composition. The higher levels of IL4 observed in males in the present study is consistent with recent evidence that IL4 exerts pro-inflammatory effects on vascular endothelium and is associated with an increase of CV events in CKD. Thus, IL4 might be a cytokine of interest to explain sex differences of CV events and mortality in CKD. Funding SourcesFundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.