Gender Disparities In Outcomes Research Articles

Gender Disparities in Outcomes of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Admissions: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

Introduction Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a condition characterized by the immune destruction of red blood cells, which can necessitate hospitalization in severe cases. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes of AIHA hospitalizations between genders. Methods We utilized the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to identify all hospitalizations with the primary diagnosis of AIHA in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2002 to 2019. We excluded all pediatric (age < 18 years) and elective hospitalizations. We described the baseline characteristics of both groups including demographics and comorbidities. We fitted multivariable logistic regression models to compare outcomes between males and females while adjusting for age, race, and comorbidities. Results A total of 60,529 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The majority of these were females (59.1% vs 40.1%, p < 0.001). Males were older (median age 67 vs. 66 years, p < 0.001) and had more white race (73.4% vs. 67.9%, p < 0.001). The distribution of associated comorbidities also differed different between both groups ( (Table 1). On adjusted analysis, males had higher in-hospital mortality rates. They also had higher rates of most secondary outcomes; including rates of circulatory shock, need for mechanical ventilation, bacterial pneumonia, acute myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, hemorrhagic stroke, acute kidney injury, and requiring new hemodialysis. Females had higher rates of urinary tract infections. No significant differences were found in the rates of requiring blood transfusions, sepsis, acute heart failure, pulmonary embolism, ischemic stroke, encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding (Figure 1). Furthermore, male hospitalizations were associated with higher costs (median [IQR] of $11,400 [6,700-20,500] vs. $10,000 [6,000- 17,200]) despite similar length of stay (median [IQR] of 4 days [3-7] vs. 4 days [3-7]). Conclusion Male patients hospitalized with AIHA experience poorer in-hospital compared to females. More research is essential to understand the underlying causes for these disparities and to tailor management to improve outcomes for both male and female AIHA patients.

Sex differences in outcomes among patients hospitalized with pulmonary embolism: insights from National Inpatient Sample 2002-2020

Abstract Background Pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. It is estimated that it contributes to 100,000 death per year. Gender disparities in cardiovascular diseases have been described before with some conflicting results regarding gender disparities in outcomes of pulmonary embolism. We sought to evaluate sex differences in the baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes among patients hospitalized for pulmonary embolism. Methods Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample database. International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revision codes were used to identify patients with PE during the years 2002–2020. Patients were stratified based gender into 2 groups. Results A total of 1192030 patients with PE were identified, of whom 564666 (47.4%) were males. Males are more likely to be younger with mean age (61.7 ± 16.3 years vs 63.7 ± 18.1 years, p<0.001) compared to females. Baseline comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (3.9% vs 3.8%, p<0.001), coronary artery disease (CAD) (20.1% vs. 13.1%, p< 0.001), atrial fibrillation (15.5 vs 13.3%, p<0.001), chronic kidney disease (12.5% vs 10.5%, p<0.001) and pulmonary hypertension (39.5% vs 38.4%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in males while hypertension (54.9% vs 53.7%, p<0.001) and heart failure (18.6% vs 18.5%, p<0.46) were more prevalent in females. Mean length of stay was higher among males compared to females (8.1 ± 10.6 days vs 7.7 ± 9.5 days, P=0.001). With regard outcomes, the likelihood of cardiogenic shock (1.3% vs 1.1%, p<0.001), use of vasopressors (1.2% vs 1%, P<0.001), and use of mechanical ventilation (MV) (10.1% vs 8.1%, p<0.001), were higher among males compared to females, moreover mortality was higher among males (7.4% vs 7%, P<0.001). Utilization of pharmacologic and interventional therapies was more prevalent among males including systemic thrombolytics (2.2% vs 2%, P<0.001), catheter directed thrombolytics (0.5% vs 0.4%, P<0.001), and embolectomy (0.2% vs 0.2%, P<0.001) compared to females. Adjusted hospitalization cost was higher among males ($21493.9 ± 38795.7 vs $18658.1 ± 31667.7, p<0.001) compared to females. Conclusion We report higher rates of cardiogenic shock, use of vasopressors and mechanical ventilation among males compared to females leading to higher utilization of pharmacologic and interventional therapies. We additionally report higher mortality among males. Further clinical investigations are warranted to explore the risk among males.

Gender Disparities in Hospitalization Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization Among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the United States.

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by various clinical manifestations. Despite efforts to improve outcomes, mortality rates remain high, and certain disparities, including gender, may influence prognosis and mortality rates in SLE. This study aims to examine the gender disparities in outcomes of SLE hospitalizations in the US. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2016 and 2020. The NIS database is the largest publicly available all-payer database for inpatient care in the United States, representing approximately 20% of all hospitalizations nationwide. We selected every other year during the study period and included hospitalizations of adult patients (≥18 years old) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of SLEusing International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. The control population consisted of all adult hospitalizations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the strength of the association between gender and primary and secondary outcomes. The regression models were adjusted for various factors, including age, race, median household income based on patients' zip codes, Charlson comorbidity index score, insurance status, hospital location, region, bed size, and teaching status. To ensure comparability across the years, revised trend weights were applied as the healthcare cost and use project website recommends. Stata version 17 (StataCorp LLC, TX, USA) was used for the statistical analyses, and a two-sided P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among the 42,875 SLE hospitalizations analyzed, women accounted for a significantly higher proportion (86.4%) compared to men (13.6%). The age distribution varied, with the majority of female admissions falling within the 30- to 60-year age range, while most male admissions fell within the 15- to 30-year age category. Racial composition showed a slightly higher percentage of White Americans in the male cohort compared to the female cohort. Notably, more Black females were admitted for SLE compared to Black males. Male SLE patients had a higher burden of comorbidities and were more likely to have Medicare and private insurance, while a higher percentage of women were uninsured. The mortality rate during the index hospitalization was slightly higher for men (1.3%) compared to women (1.1%), but after adjusting for various factors, there was no statistically significant gender disparity in the likelihood of mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.027; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.570-1.852; P=0.929). Men had longer hospital stays and incurred higher average hospital costs compared to women (mean length of stay (LOS): seven days vs. six days; $79,751 ± $5,954 vs. $70,405 ± $1,618 respectively). Female SLE hospitalizations were associated with a higher likelihood of delirium, psychosis, and seizures while showing lower odds of hematological and renal diseases compared to men. Conclusion While women constitute the majority of SLE hospitalizations, men with SLE tend to have a higher burden of comorbidities and are more likely to have Medicare and private insurance. Additionally, men had longer hospital stays and incurred higher average hospital costs. However, there was no significant gender disparity in the likelihood of mortality after accounting for various factors.

Gender gaps in type 1 diabetes care.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the largest global health concerns of recent times. Women with diabetes mellitus have a higher excess risk of all-cause mortality and more vascular events than men. Focusing on type 1 diabetes, this could be caused by gender inequalities in delivered diabetes care. This study aims to assess gender differences in type 1 diabetes outpatient care, particularly diagnostics and outcomes. This cross-sectional cohort study included all adult type 1 diabetes patients in the Dutch Pediatric and Adult Registry of Diabetes (DPARD) visiting diabetes outpatient clinics between 2016-2021. The frequency of process measurements, including physical examination and laboratory testing, was assessed among both sexes after adjustment for age and body mass index. Gender differences in eGFR ≥ 60, BMI-, and control in blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol were evaluated. Hospital variation in achieving HbA1c targets of 53mmol/mol and median HbA1c were assessed. Cardiovascular risk scores were calculated in men and women using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) European low-risk chart. Our study showed a 17% higher odds of reaching weight control and a 23% lower odds of achieving blood pressure targets in men than women. Gender-skewed cardiovascular mortality risk scores were found. Gender disparities in outcomes appear not to be caused by gender-biased attitudes in healthcare professionals since no gender differences were found in the performance of process measurements in type 1 diabetes care. In addition, hospitals appear to vary by extent of gender differences in achieving a target HbA1c of 53mmol/mol. Gender equality exists in the diagnostic process of diabetes care. However, differences in weight control, blood pressure control, and cardiovascular mortality risk scores remain between both sexes, most likely due to multifactorial causes. Indications for interhospital variation in gender disparities in HbA1c control exist. Further focus on performance of process measurements between hospitals may identify areas for improvement of gender-skewed outcomes to further enhance Dutch diabetes care for both sexes.

Impact of Gender on Outcomes of Transcatheter edge to edge mitral valve repair: A Meta-analysis.

Background: Gender disparities in outcomes after mitral valve surgery are well known. There are only few studies reporting the influence of gender on outcomes following transcatheter edge to edge repair (TEER) of the mitral valve using MitraClip (MC). In this meta-analysis, we describe outcomes by gender after mitral valve TEER. Methods: Studies reporting gender specific outcomes in patients treated with MC were reviewed from January 2010 to February 2022. Outcomes evaluated include all-cause mortality, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, readmission for heart failure and residual mitral regurgitation (MR) at the longest follow up. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects models. Results: Seventeen studies with 33,747 patients (19,303 males and 14,444 females) were included. There was no difference in all-cause mortality (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: [0.90-1.12], p=0.93), residual MR (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: [0.34-1.02], p=0.06) or readmission for heart failure (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: [0.69-1.57], p=0.83). However, NYHA class III/IV was more frequent in female patients as compared to male patients at the end of follow up (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: [0.51-0.74], p<0.00001). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis, the largest to date, suggests that female patients have worse NHYA functional class after TEER without any difference in all-cause mortality, readmissions for heart failure or residual MR when compared to male patients.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality among patients with SARS-CoV-2: A retrospective study.

The goal of this study was to investigate in-hospital mortality in patients suffering from acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) relative to the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and to determine if there are gender disparities in outcome. Between February 26 and September 8, 2020, patients having SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in this retrospective cohort research, which was categorized by NLR levels ≥9 and < 9. In total, 6893 patients were involved included of whom6591 had NLR <9, and 302 had NLR ≥9. The age of most of the patients in the NLR<9 group was 50 years, on the other hand, the age of most of the NLR ≥9 group patients was between 50 and 70 years. The majority of patients in both groups were male 2211 (66.1%). The ICU admission time and mortality rate for the patients with NLR ≥9 was significantly higher compared to patients with NLR <9. Logistic regression's outcome indicated that NLR ≥9 (odds ratio (OR), 24.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 15.5–40.0; p < 0.001), male sex (OR, 3.5; 95% CI: 2.0–5.9; p < 0.001) and haemoglobin (HB) (OR, 0.95; 95% CI; 0.94–0.96; p < 0.001) predicted in-hospital mortality significantly. Additionally, Cox proportional hazards analysis (B = 4.04, SE = 0.18, HR = 56.89, p < 0.001) and Kaplan–Meier survival probability plots also indicated that NLR>9 had a significant effect on mortality. NLR ≥9 is an independent predictor of mortality(in-hospital) among SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Mitigating Bias in Recruitment: Attracting a Diverse, Dynamic Workforce to Sustain the Future of Radiation Oncology

Why do we need a diverse workforce? Diversity allows for improved collective intelligence,1 and can include diversity of professional knowledge, interests, and perspectives. Benefits of workforce diversity include providing different perspectives, better serving patients,2,3 and improving outcomes.4-6 Diversity is not only about social justice, but an essential strategy for complex problem solving in clinical care, research, and teaching. However, racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in outcomes remain pervasive in the U.S.

Gender Disparities in Outcomes Following Pulmonary Embolism Treatment in the Intensive Care Unit; A Multi-center Retrospective Cohort Study

Mkama RE, Peng J, Zhou Y, Zhou T, Du J, Pang G, et al. Gender Disparities in Outcomes Following Pulmonary Embolism Treatment in the Intensive Care Unit; A Multi-center Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Anaesth Crit Care. 2022;1(1):5-16.

D-26 | Gender Disparities in Outcomes of Cardiac Procedures with Amyloidosis using the National Inpatient Sample 2016-2019

D-26 | Gender Disparities in Outcomes of Cardiac Procedures with Amyloidosis using the National Inpatient Sample 2016-2019

Abstract 11362: Revisiting Gender Equality in Mortality After MitraClip Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The presence of gender disparities in outcomes after non-coronary cardiac interventions is well-recognized, but conflicting data have been reported regarding the impact of gender on mortality after MitraClip (MC) implantation. Identification of sex differences in outcomes is important for effective risk stratification in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, who are at high risk for surgery. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that there are no gender-based differences in all-cause mortality after MC procedure. Methods: We searched electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception up to May 2021 for studies evaluating patient outcomes after MC implantation. The primary outcome of interest was late all-cause mortality ≥ 1 year after MC procedure. Secondary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted, and heterogeneity was assessed using I-squared test. Results: Seventeen studies comprising 21,549 patients were included. Women constituted 45.2% of the cohort. Male and female genders were not found to be independent predictors of late all-cause mortality ≥ 1 year after MC procedure (male, Hazard Ratio: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.92-1.26; I 2 = 15% and female, Odds Ratio (OR): 0.91; 95% CI: 0.73-1.14; I 2 = 0%, respectively) (Figure 1). There were no differences in in-hospital mortality between women and men after the index procedure (female, OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.61-1.85; I 2 = 29%) (Figure 2). Conclusions: There is no gender disparity in mortality with MitraClip implantation, both in-hospital and during long-term follow-up.

S1441 Assessment of Gender Disparity in Outcomes of Adult Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: A Nationwide Study

S1441 Assessment of Gender Disparity in Outcomes of Adult Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: A Nationwide Study

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients With SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Study

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate in-hospital mortality in patients suffering from acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) relative to the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and to determine if there are gender disparities in outcome.Methods: Between February 26 and September 8, 2020, patients having SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in this retrospective cohort research, which was categorized by NLR levels ≥9 and Findings: In total, 6893 patients were involved included of whom6591 had NLR ppp9 had a significant effect on mortality. Interpretation: NLR ≥9 is an independent predictor of mortality(in-hospital) among SARS-CoV-2 patients.Funding Information: There is no funding availed for this research.Declaration of Interests: There are no conflicting interests declared by the authorsEthics Approval Statement: The standing committee for health coordination and medical research at the Ministry of Health in Kuwаit approved the procedure and waived the need for informed consent (Institutional review board number 2020/1422).

Gender disparities among hospitalised patients with acute myocardial infarction, acute decompensated heart failure or pneumonia: retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo assess gender disparity in outcomes among hospitalised patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) or pneumonia.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingA tertiary referral centre in Midwest, USA.ParticipantsWe...

Abstract WP25: Gender Disparity in Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes: The Role of Arterial Caliber

Introduction: Despite level 1a evidence demonstrating the clinical benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in selected large vessel ischemic stroke patients, a gender disparity exists. Women not only have less favorable clinical outcomes after all stroke types, but the causes of this disparity remain elusive. Gender differences in cerebral vascular anatomy have been previously published. We hypothesize that differences in circle of Willis diameters may contribute to the gender disparity seen in clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Clinical and radiographic data from a consecutive series undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel ischemic strokes were reviewed. Measurements of the proximal middle cerebral artery (M1) segment and supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) diameters were obtained in a standardized fashion from the thrombectomy procedure angiogram. All M1 measurements were recorded at 3 mm of the vessel origin while ICA measurements were taken 3 mm proximal to the ICA terminus. Covariates included age, occlusion location, vascular risk factors, admission NIHSS score and final TICI grade. Modified Rankin score (mRS) at 90 days was the dependent variable. Variable significance between male and female cohorts was determined using student T-Tests. Multivariate regression analysis was also performed. Results: Ninety-four patients (41 female) between 6/2013 and 6/2016 fit the inclusion criteria. ICA terminus measurements for men and women were 3.07 mm (SD=0.46) and 2.88 mm (SD=0.47), respectively. M1 origin measurements for men and women were 2.46 mm (SD=0.31) and 2.21 mm (SD=0.37), respectively. Male ICA terminus and M1 origin measurements were larger than female (p = 0.05 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). 61% of men vs. 25% of women had 90-day mRS ≤ 2. Multivariate analysis indicated that only age was significantly associated with 90-day mRS ≤ 2. Conclusions: Our single center series suggests that differences in intracranial vessel diameter may contribute to the gender disparity in outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy. Smaller circle of Willis arterial diameters may compromise collateral blood flow and increase the difficulty in achieving sufficient reperfusion.

Hypertension and Ischemic Heart Disease in Women.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most important cause of mortality worldwide. Although the awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and IHD in women has increased over the last decades, mortality rates are still higher in women than in men. Among traditional cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension is associated with a greater risk for IHD in women as compared to men. In this review, discuss gender differences in epidemiology and pathophysiology of hypertension and its impact on the incidence and outcomes of IHD in women. We also, discuss some "women conditions" such as hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Even though this is not a systematic review, English-language studies on MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews were searched for consultation and analysis. Hypertension display different epidemiological patterns in men and women. Studies have shown that hypertension has a different proatherogenic effects in men and women. Hypertension has a direct effect on microcirculation, but estrogens have a protective role in this regard in premenopausal women. However, after the decline in estrogen levels, women are exposed to the same cardiovascular risk as males. Postmenopausal women exhibit a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors, which together with microvascular dysfunction and smaller and stiffer arteries conducts to the worse prognosis observed in women with IHD. "Women specific conditions" such as HDP and PCOS affects 10% of pregnant women and women in reproductive age, respectively. These conditions are associated with increased risk of hypertension and IHD later in life. Although women are more aware of their hypertension, cardiovascular mortality is higher in hypertensive women with comorbid IHD. Yet these gender disparities in outcomes seem to be attenuated with effective therapy. The pathophysiology of IHD is gender specific, women with ischemic symptoms presenting less often with coronary obstructive disease, and more frequently with dysfunction of the coronary microcirculation. Optimal control of hypertension could attenuate gender related differences in mortality in this population.

Comorbidities in Heart Failure: Are There Gender Differences?

Compared to men, women with heart failure (HF) are often older, smoke less, and have more preserved ejection fraction (EF) and hypertensive HF rather than HF of ischemic etiology. Gender-stratified outcomes on comorbidities data in HF are scarce. Women have traditionally been underrepresented in HF trials. Although data suggest that overall prognosis may be better in women, they experience lower quality of life with greater functional impairment from HF compared to men. Gender differences have been reported for comorbid diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal dysfunction, anemia, and depression and may explain gender disparity in outcomes. However, possible confounding of comorbidities with known prognostic determinants in HF (such as EF) as well as gender differences in the utilization of medical therapies obscures interpretation. In this review, we will explore the evidence for gender differences in non-cardiovascular comorbidities in HF. Our findings may guide clinicians to individualize HF care, according to best practice, in the hope of improving prognosis for this chronic and debilitating condition.

Gender Disparities in Outcomes and Resource Utilization for Acute Pulmonary Embolism Hospitalizations in the United States

Current data regarding gender disparities in outcomes after acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are limited and controversial. We sought to assess the gender-specific rates and trends in treatment, outcomes, and complications after acute PE. We used the 2003 to 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for this analysis. All hospital admissions with a principal diagnosis of acute PE were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, codes. Inhospital mortality and discharge to nursing facility were co-primary outcomes of our study. Secondary outcomes included shock, transfusion of blood products, utilization of thrombolysis, inferior vena cava filter placement, and cost of hospitalization. Over a 9-year period, a total of 276,484 discharges with acute PE were identified. Compared with men, there was significantly higher inhospital mortality in women admitted with acute PE (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.15). In addition, there was a significantly higher need for discharge to nursing facility among women compared with men (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.34). Besides this, women experienced a higher need for transfusion (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.44) and occurrence of shock (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18) during hospitalization. Furthermore, there was a significantly lower utilization of vena cava filters (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.89) in women compared with men. Among patients in shock who were eligible for thrombolysis (age <75years, no previous stroke, no bleeding on presentation, and not pregnant), the utilization of thrombolysis was similar between men and women (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.53). Lastly, the cost of hospitalization after acute PE was significantly higher in men than women (adjusted mean difference $425, 95% CI $304 to $546). In conclusion, among patients admitted with acute PE, women tend to have more adverse outcomes and higher incidence of complications compared with men.

Gender Differences in Long-Term Survival of Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Mitral Valve Operations

Gender disparities in outcomes have been documented in cardiac surgery. Gender differences in long-term survival after mitral valve operations, especially in the elderly, are less well studied. Using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data, we identified 183,792 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older who underwent mitral valve repair or replacement from 2000 through 2009. The final study population included 47,602 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries undergoing isolated mitral valve operations. The outcomes studied were gender-specific operative mortality and long-term survival. Women were less likely to receive mitral valve repair (31.9% vs 44.0%, p < 0.0001). The hospital mortality rate was 7.7% for women vs 6.1% for men (p < 0.0001), reflective of a worse preoperative profile. Women undergoing repair had worse long-term survival than men (p= 0.0020) but survival was similar after risk adjustment (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.02, p= 0.2106). Compared with the United States population matched for age and sex, mitral repair restored life expectancy for men but not for women. Unadjusted and adjusted long-term survival was similar for men and women undergoing mitral valve replacement (p= 0.3653; hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.02; p= 0.4847). In this large comparative study of gender differences in mitral valve operations, elderly women had higher operative mortality and lower long-term survival. These differences appeared to be driven largely because women present for mitral valve operations later in the disease process. Mitral repair appeared to restore normal life expectancy for men but not for women. Future studies should examine the factors that influence physician referral to mitral valve operations for men and women.

Effect of Gender on Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that affects thousands of new individuals each year, the majority of which are males. Males with SCI tend to be injured at an earlier age, mostly during sports or motor vehicle accidents, whereas females tend be injured later in life, particularly in the age group 65 and older. In both experimental and clinical studies, the question as to whether gender affects outcome has been addressed in a variety of patient groups and animal models. Results from experimental paradigms have suggested that a gender bias in outcome exists that favors females and appears to involve the advantageous or disadvantageous effects of the gonadal sex hormones estrogen and progesterone or testosterone, respectively. However, other studies have shown an absence of gender differences in outcome in specific SCI models and work has also questioned the involvement of female sex hormones in the observed outcome improvements in females. Similar controversy exists clinically, in studies that have examined gender disparities in outcome after SCI. The current review examines the experimental and clinical evidence for a gender bias in outcome following SCI and discusses issues that have made it difficult to conclusively answer this question.

Racial and Gender Disparities and the Role of Primary Tumor Type on Inpatient Outcomes Following Craniotomy for Brain Metastases

Race and gender disparities in outcomes have been documented in many cancers. Our study evaluated the role of race, gender, and tumor primary site in predicting in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, and complications among patients with brain metastases. Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 1998 to 2007, we evaluated in-patient outcomes of brain metastases patients who underwent a craniotomy in U.S. hospitals. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the effect of patient/tumor characteristics in predicting the proposed outcomes. NIS estimated 78,170 patients with metastatic brain tumors underwent craniotomy between 1998 and 2007 in the United States. Median age was 59.2 years, 52.1 % were women, and 6.4 % were black. In-hospital mortality rate was 2.2 % with an average length of stay of 7.6 days. Black patients had significantly higher morbidity and nonroutine discharges than whites/others (p < .0001). Black women had almost twice the mortality (3.4 vs 1.8 %, p < .0001), a higher complication rate (24.6 vs 18.8 %, p < .0001), longer hospital stays (10.0 vs 7.3 days, p < .0001), and more nonroutine discharges (45.1 vs 36.8 %, p < .0001), compared with white/other women. Tumor histology was a significant predictor of outcomes, with female lung cancer patients having the highest odds of mortality and primary gastrointestinal tumors having the highest number of complications. Evidence of race and gender disparities in outcomes were found in black patients, especially in black females who underwent surgical resection for brain metastases. These findings highlight an opportunity to reduce the gap of outcome disparities in brain metastasis patients.