Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease-Related Hospitalization and Mortality in Japan - Analysis of Health Records From a Nationwide Claim-Based Database, the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Disease (JROAD)

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rising in Japan with its aging population, but there is a lack of epidemiological data on sex differences in CVD, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute heart failure (AHF), and acute aortic disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective study analyzed data from 1,349,017 patients (January 2012-December 2020) using the Japanese Registry Of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases database. ACS patients were youngest on average (70.5±12.9 years) and had the lowest female proportion (28.9%). AHF patients had the oldest mean age (79.7±12.0 years) and the highest proportion of females (48.0%). Acute aortic disease had the highest in-hospital mortality (26.1%), followed by AHF (11.5%) and ACS (8.9%). Sex-based mortality differences were notable in acute aortic disease, with higher male mortality in Stanford Type A acute aortic dissection (AAD) with surgery (males: 14.2% vs. females: 10.4%, P<0.001) and similar rates in Type B AAD (males: 6.2% vs. females: 7.9%, P=0.52). Aging was a universal risk factor for in-hospital mortality. Female sex was a risk factor for ACS and acute aortic disease but not for AHF or Types A and B AAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex-based disparities in the CVD-related hospitalization and mortality within the Japanese national population have been highlighted for the first time, indicating the importance of sex-specific strategies in the management and understanding of these conditions.

Sex-Related Differences Between Patients Undergoing Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific characteristics and surgical outcomes in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Materials and methods We reviewed the surgical records of patients who underwent ATAAD repair at our institution between 2004 and 2020 (n=213). Results Of the 213 patients, 100 (46.9%) were male, and 113 (53.1%) were female. Males were younger than females (62.5 vs. 72.9 years, p<0.0001). Females had more nonspecific symptoms (p=0.04), more frequently developed ATAAD before noon (45.0% vs. 53.1%, p=0.01), and had a significantly longer time from onset to surgery (425.1 vs. 595.8 min, p=0.03). The ascending aorta was replaced more frequently in females than in males (54.5% vs. 72.8%, p<0.01). No significant difference was observed in the in-hospital mortality rate between males and females (9.0% vs. 10.6%, p=0.69). The multivariable logistic analysis demonstrated that being male was not an independent predictor of operative mortality (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.18-5.21; p=0.96). At 10 years, males had significantly better long-term survival rates in the unadjusted cohort than females (79.4% vs. 55.9%, p=0.02). Conclusions Male sex was not an independent predictor of early death in patients with ATAAD after surgery, although significant differences were noted in terms of age, onset time, chief complaint, imaging findings, and surgical procedures. A sex-based management strategy involving specific differences should be considered to improve outcomes.

Long-term sex-based outcomes after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: Meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data

BACKGROUND

The influence of sex on outcomes of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection remains incompletely characterized. We sought to evaluate post-procedural survival in the follow-up of females versus males.

METHODS

We carried out a systematic review with meta-analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived time-to-event data from studies published by June 2023 in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL/CCTR (Cochrane Controlled Trials Register).

RESULTS

Twelve studies met our eligibility criteria, including 11,696 patients (3753 females; 7943 males). The mean age ranged from 41.2 to 72.6 years with low prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve (ranging from 0.0% to 12.0%) and connective tissue disorders (ranging from 0.8% to 7.3%). We found a considerable prevalence of coronary artery disease (ranging from 12.1% to 21.1%) and malperfusion (ranging from 20.0% to 46.3%). At 10 years, females undergoing surgery had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with males (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.14-1.38, P ​< ​0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the follow-up of patients undergoing surgery for type A aortic dissection, females presented poorer overall survival in comparison with males.

Male-Female Differences in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Acute type B aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency with considerable mortality and morbidity risk. Male-female differences have been observed in cardiovascular disease; however, literature on type B aortic dissection is scarce.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all consecutive patients with acute type B aortic dissection between 2007 and 2017 in 4 tertiary hospitals using patient files and questionnaires for late morbidity. In total, 384 patients were included with a follow-up of 6.1 (range, 0.02-14.8) years, of which 41% (n=156) were female. Women presented at an older age than men (67 [interquartile range (IQR), 57-73] versus 62 [IQR, 52-71]; P=0.015). Prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (6% versus 15%; P=0.009), distally extending dissections (71 versus 85%; P=0.001), and clinical malperfusion (18% versus 32%; P=0.002) were less frequently observed in women. Absolute maximal descending aortic diameters were smaller in women (36 [IQR: 33-40] mm versus 39 [IQR, 36-43] mm; P<0.001), while indexed for body surface area diameters were larger in women (20 [IQR, 18-23] mm/m2 versus 19 [IQR, 17-21] mm/m2). No male-female differences were found in treatment choice; however, indications for invasive treatment were different (P<0.001). Early mortality rate was 9.6% in women and 11.8% in men (P=0.60). The 5-year survival was 83% (95% CI, 77-89) for women and 84% (95% CI, 79-89) for men (P=0.90). No male-female differences were observed in late (re)interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

No male-female differences were found in management, early or late death, and morbidity in patients presenting with acute type B aortic dissection, despite distinct clinical profiles at presentation. More details on the impact of age and type of intervention are warranted in future studies.

Sex-based outcomes in surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiologic variation with respect to sex has been established in aortic dissection. However, current literature on sex-based outcomes in patients with aortic dissection is conflicting. In this study we aimed to compare perioperative outcomes according to sex in patients treated surgically for acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies that reported sex-based differences in postoperative outcomes among patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The primary outcome was in-hospital/30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes included postoperative stroke, renal failure requiring dialysis, and reoperation for bleeding. Data were aggregated using the random effects model as pooled risk ratio (RR). Meta-regression was applied to identify sources of heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS

Nine of 1022 studies were included for final analysis comprising 3338 female and 5979 male participants. Compared with male sex, female sex was associated with similar in-hospital/30-day mortality (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.85-1.28; P = .67), postoperative stroke risk (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.91-1.25; P = .43), and postoperative risk of acute renal failure requiring dialysis (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.59-1.19; P = .32). A decreased risk of reoperation for bleeding (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.94; P < .01) was observed in female participants. Meta-regression analysis indicated that differences in preoperative shock were a source of heterogeneity in the sex difference in in-hospital/30-day mortality across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients treated surgically for acute type A aortic dissection, female sex was not associated with increased risk of short-term mortality nor with major postoperative complications. Male sex was associated with a greater risk of postoperative bleeding.

Sex disparities in patients with acute aortic dissection: A scoping review

Disparities in outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease and those undergoing cardiac or vascular operations are well-established. These disparities often span several dimensions and persist despite advancements in medical and surgical care; sex is among the most pervasive. Specifically, females sex has been implicated as a predictor of poor outcomes in both patients with acute type A aortic dissections (ATAADs) and type B aortic dissections (TBADs). For instance, one study, using the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection database, found that females with acute aortic dissection-including ATAAD and TBAD that were either medically or surgically managed-had 40% higher odds of in-hospital mortality than men. Notably, both types of acute aortic dissections affect men more commonly than females and can be life-threatening without prompt, appropriate treatment. The underlying mechanisms for these disparities are unclear but are thought to be multifactorial. The association of sex with patterns of disease and outcomes in patients with ATAAD or TBAD remains unclear, with conflicting reports from different studies. Thus, we sought to review the literature regarding sex disparities in patients with ATAAD and TBAD.

No Sex-Based Differences Exist in Clinical Outcomes of Extended Aortic Arch Repair for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Reports regarding the association between sex and clinical outcomes after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) are not exhaustive and in part even conflicting.

METHODS

A total of 786 eligible adult patients with ATAAD undergoing extended arch repair from January 2015 to December 2021 were included. They were divided into a female group (n = 161) and a male group (n = 625). In-hospital outcomes (surgical mortality and major postoperative morbidity) and midterm outcomes (survival and aortic reintervention) between the 2 groups were compared before and after propensity score matching (1:1).

RESULTS

Compared with male patients, female patients were more likely to be older (median [interquartile range]: 57 [46-67] vs 50 [42-59] years; P < 0.001) and to have a lower body mass index, but were less likely to be current smokers. Operative death occurred in 66 patients (6.8% female vs 8.8% male), without significant differences between groups before and after matching (P = 0.422 and P > 0.999, respectively). Major postoperative morbidity was observed in 313 patients (39.8%), including 57 (35.4%) female and 256 (41.0%) male patients (P = 0.199). Sex-based grouping was not significantly associated with operative mortality or major postoperative morbidity. The 5-year cumulative survival and incidence of aortic reintervention among female patients were 90.6% and 6.0%, respectively, which were not statistically different from those observed in male patients before and after matching.

CONCLUSIONS

No sex-based differences were found in terms of in-hospital and midterm outcomes of extended arch repair for ATAAD.

Sex Differences in DeBakey Type I/II Acute Aortic Dissection Outcomes: The Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network

Background

Sex differences in the clinical presentation and outcomes of DeBakey type I/II (Stanford type A) acute aortic dissection (AAD) remain unclear.

Objectives

The authors aimed to determine the impact of sex on the clinical presentation and in-hospital outcomes of surgically or medically treated patients with type I/II AAD.

Methods

We studied 3,089 patients with type I/II AAD enrolled in multicenter Japanese registry between 2013 and 2018. The patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: surgical and medical. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between sex and in-hospital mortality.

Results

In the entire cohort, women were older and more likely to have hyperlipidemia, previous stroke, altered consciousness, and shock/hypotension at presentation than men. Women had higher proportions of intramural hematomas and type II dissections than men. In the surgical group (n = 2,543), men had higher rates of preoperative end-organ malperfusion (P = 0.003) and in-hospital mortality (P = 0.002) than women. Multivariable analysis revealed that male sex was associated with higher in-hospital mortality after surgery (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.24-2.35; P < 0.001). In the medical group (n = 546), women were older and had higher rates of cardiac tamponade (P = 0.004) and in-hospital mortality (P = 0.039) than men; no significant association between sex and in-hospital mortality was found after multivariable adjustment (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.56-1.59; P = 0.832).

Conclusions

Male sex was associated with higher in-hospital mortality for type I/II AAD in the surgical group but not in the medical group. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for worse surgical outcomes in men.

Differences between sexes in patients who underwent total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk procedures for acute dissection

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of sex on the short-time prognosis in two different age subgroups (≤55 years old and >55 years old).

METHODS

From January 2009 to 2019, 1522 patients with DeBakey I acute aortic dissection (AAD) underwent frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement at a Tertiary Center in China were divided into female group (n = 324) and male group (n = 1198). The demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management, short-term outcomes were described in the different sex groups. The risk factors of 30-days mortality for females and males were identified by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Then, random Forest regression was used to analyze the association between age and 30-days mortality in the different sexes groups. The cut-off age for 30-days mortality in females was then identified as 55 years. The patients were divided into two subgroups: young patients (≤55 years old) and elderly patients (>55 years old). Clinical prognosis between different sex groups was further compared in the age subgroups.

RESULTS

Approximately four-fifths of the patients were males. Males with DeBakey I AAD were younger than females (47 vs 52 years; p < 0.01). The proportion of males gradually declined with age. The cut-off age for 30-days mortality in females and males was identified as 55 years old and 63 years old, respectively. In young patients (≤55 years old), the 30-days mortality rate for females was lower than males (hazard ratio [HR, 2.02, p < 0.05). Following adjustment using the multivariable Cox regression analysis, females were identified as an independent protective factor for 30-days mortality (HR, 2.24, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that females present with DeBakey I AAD less frequently than males and they tend to present with DeBakey AAD later in life. In young patients, females had better early outcomes despite similar time for symptom onset to diagnosis and surgical technique than males.

Sex differences in type A acute aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In acute aortic dissection (AAD) sex heterogeneity reports are not exhaustive and in part even conflicting.

AIMS

To explore sex differences in clinical features, management, and outcomes among patients with type A AAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were conducted for studies (2004-2022) reporting type A AAD sex differences. Among the 1938 studies retrieved, 16 (16 069 patients, 7142 women, and 8927 men) fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Data were aggregated used the random-effects model as pooled risk ratio and mean difference. Due to information reported by considered manuscripts, analysis were performed only among surgically treated type A AAD patients. At the time of hospital presentation type A AAD women were older than men but had lower body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), and creatinine plasma levels. Active smoking, bicuspid aortic valve, and previous cardiac surgery were less common in women while diabetes mellitus was more frequent. Furthermore, women experienced more frequently pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade than men. Interestingly, in-hospital surgical mortality did not differ between sexes [risk ratio (RR), 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53-1.99; P = 0.95], whereas 5 (RR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.97; P < 0.001) and 10-year survival (RR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74-0.92; P = 0.004) was higher among men. A descriptive analysis of in-hospital outcomes among medically treated type A AAD patients confirmed prohibitive high mortality for both sexes (men 58.6% vs. women 53.8%, P = 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

A female sex phenotype appears to be evident in type A AAD implying the need for a personalized management patient approach along with tailored preventive strategies.

PROSPERO REGISTRY ID

CRD42022359072.

The Gender Gap in Aortic Dissection: A Prospective Analysis of Risk and Outcomes

Aortic dissection (AD) is a severe cardiovascular condition that could have negative consequences. Our study employed a prospective design and examined preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data to evaluate the effects of gender on various medical conditions. We looked at how gender affected the results of aortic dissection (AD). In contrast to female patients who had more systemic hypertension (p=0.031), male patients had higher rates of hemopericardium (p=0.003), pulmonary hypertension (p=0.039), and hemopericardium (p=0.003). Dobutamine administration during surgery significantly raised the mortality risk (p=0.015). There were noticeably more women patients (p=0.01) in the 71 to 80 age group. Significant differences in age (p=0.004), eGFR at admission (p=0.009), and eGFR at discharge (p=0.006) were seen, however, there was no association between gender and mortality. In conclusion, our findings highlight that gender may no longer be such an important aspect of aortic dissection disease as we previously thought, and this information could have an important contribution for surgeons as well as for anesthesiologists involved in the management of acute aortic dissection.

Sex-Based Difference in Aortic Dissection Outcomes: A Multicenter Study

Background: Type A Acute Aortic Dissection (TAAAD) repair is a surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Registry data have noted several sex-specific differences in presentation with TAAAD which may account for the differences in men and women undergoing surgery for this condition. Methods: A retrospective review of data from three departments of cardiac surgery (Centre Cardiologique du Nord, Henri-Mondor University Hospital, San Martino University Hospital, Genoa) between January 2005 and 31 December 2021 was conducted. Confounders were adjusted using doubly robust regression models, a combination of regression models with inverse probability treatment weighting by propensity score. Results: 633 patients were included in the study, of which 192 (30.3%) were women. Women were significantly older with reduced haemoglobin levels and pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to men. Male patients were more likely to undergo aortic root replacement and partial or total arch repair. Operative mortality (OR 0.745, 95% CI: 0.491–1.130) and early postoperative neurological complication results were comparable between the groups. The adjusted survival curves using IPTW by propensity score confirmed the absence of a significant impact of gender on long-term survival (HR 0.883, 95% CI 0.561–1.198). In a subgroup analysis of women, preoperative levels of arterial lactate (OR 1.468, 95% CI: 1.133–1.901) and mesenteric ischemia after surgery (OR 32.742, 95% CI: 3.361–319.017) were significantly associated with increased operative mortality. Conclusions: The advancing age of female patients alongside raised preoperative level of arterial lactate may account for the increasing preponderance among surgeons to perform more conservative surgery compared to their younger male counterparts although postoperative survival was similar between the groups.

Differences among sexes in presentation and outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection repair

OBJECTIVE

Female sex is a known risk factor in most cardiac surgery, including coronary and valve surgery, but unknown in acute type A aortic dissection repair.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2018, 650 patients underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair; 206 (32%) were female, and 444 (68%) were male. Data were collected through the Cardiac Surgery Data Warehouse, medical record review, and National Death Index database.

RESULTS

Compared with men, women were significantly older (65 vs 57 years, P < .0001). The proportion of women and men inverted with increasing age, with 23% of patients aged less than 50 years and 65% of patients aged 80 years or older being female. Women had significantly less chronic renal failure (2.0% vs 5.4%, P = .04), acute myocardial infarction (1.0% vs 3.8%, P = .04), and severe aortic insufficiency. Women underwent significantly fewer aortic root replacements with similar aortic arch procedures, shorter cardiopulmonary bypass times (211 vs 229 minutes, P = .0001), and aortic crossclamp times (132 vs 164 minutes, P < .0001), but required more intraoperative blood transfusion (4 vs 3 units) compared with men. Women had significantly lower operative mortality (4.9% vs 9.5%, P = .04), especially in those aged more than 70 years (4.4% vs 16%, P = .02). The significant risk factors for operative mortality were male sex (odds ratio, 2.2), chronic renal failure (odds ratio, 3.4), and cardiogenic shock (odds ratio, 6.8). The 10-year survival was similar between sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians and women should be cognizant of the risk of acute type A aortic dissection later in life in women. Surgeons should strongly consider operations for acute type A aortic dissection in women, especially in patients aged 70 years or more.

Natural history of isolated abdominal aortic dissection: A prospective cohort study

Objectives

Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is extremely rare, with its optimal treatment and intervention timing remaining poorly understood. We aimed to study the natural history of IAAD and facilitate better clinical decision.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted to our institution from January 2016 to April 2021 were enrolled and followed up prospectively. All-cause death was taken as the primary endpoint.

Results

A total of 68 patients with IAAD were included. The mean age at presentation was 61.2 ± 14.8 (Range: 26.0, 93.0) years and 55 (80.9%) were male. A total of 38 (55.9%) patients were treated conservatively, 27 (39.7%) received endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), and 3 (4.4%) underwent open surgery. After a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (Range: 0.1, 5.5), 9 (13.2%) patients died, 8 of whom (21.0%) were treated conservatively and 1 EVAR (3.7%). Compared with EVAR/open surgery, patient treated conservatively had a much worse survival (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference between different IAAD aortic sizes regarding mortality (p = 0.220). Patients with completely thrombosed false lumen fared improved survival rate, followed by partial thrombosis and patency, respectively, although not significantly (p = 0.190). No significant difference was observed between male and female concerning survival rate (p = 0.970). Patients without symptoms had a significantly improved survival (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

On the basis of patients' preference and surgeons' experience, a more aggressive treatment regimen for IAAD should be considered, with EVAR being the first choice, especially for those with persistent symptoms and patent false lumen, regardless of sex, age, or aortic size.

Sex differences in acute type A aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive comparison of outcomes following acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair in males and females.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched by two authors for studies published from January 1^st, 2000, to May 10^th, 2021. Overall, 2405 articles were screened, and 16 were included in this review. Meta-analysis of the compiled data was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Pooled estimates indicated no difference in operative (odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-1.67, P=0.99, I²=52%), in-hospital (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.08; P=0.13, I²=57%), and 30-day mortality (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83-1.43, P=0.52, I²=45%) between the sexes. However, males had significantly reduced 5-year mortality rates (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-1.00, P=0.05, I²=45%). There was no difference between sexes in rates of postoperative stroke (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.86-1.33, P=0.54, I²=0%), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.82-1.19, P=0.92, I²=0%), as well as mesenteric or limb ischemia (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.22-2.43, P=0.61, I²=77%; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.30-2.30, P=0.72, I²=76%, respectively). Males did experience significantly increased rates of acute renal failure and reoperation (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16-1.56, P=0.0001, I²=29%; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.81, P=0.010, I²=42%).

CONCLUSIONS

Composite analysis indicates that early mortality does not differ between the sexes; however, late outcomes favor males. Differences in preoperative presentation and subsequent procedure selection between the sexes likely contribute to the disparity in late outcomes. Decision-making for surgical treatment of ATAAD should account for sex-specific risk factors.

Gender Differences in Acute Aortic Dissection

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the most important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. There is heterogeneity in the epidemiology and management of CVD between male and female patients. In the specific case of acute aortic dissection (AAD), women, at the time of diagnosis, are older than men and complain less frequently of an abrupt onset of pain with delayed presentation to the emergency department. Furthermore, a history of hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is more common among women. In type A AAD, women more often experience pleural effusion and coronary artery compromise, but experience less neurological and malperfusion symptoms. They undergo less frequent surgical treatment and have higher overall in-hospital mortality. Conversely, in type B AAD no significant differences were shown for in-hospital mortality between the two genders. However, it should be highlighted that further studies are needed in order to develop AAD gender specific preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Sex-related differences on the risks of in-hospital and late outcomes after acute aortic dissection: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the sex-related differences on the risks of perioperative and late outcomes for adult acute aortic dissection (AAD) patients following surgical management.

Methods and results

By using Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, totally 1,410 female and 3,432 male patients were identified to first-ever receive type A AAD open surgery or type B AAD stenting treatment from 2004 to 2013. We assessed the sex-related difference on outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, all-cause mortality, aortic death, redo aortic surgery, ischemic stroke, and depression during the follow-up period. The analysis was done separately for type A and type B surgeries.

Results

On average, female patients diagnosed with AAD were older than males. There was no significant sex difference of in-hospital mortality or all-cause mortality for both type A open and type B stent surgeries. The risk of redo aortic surgery was significantly greater in males than females (7.8% vs. 4%; unadjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.51, 95% CI 0.38–0.69) for type A open surgery, but not for type B stent surgery. Noticeably, the risk of newly-diagnosed depression was significantly greater in females than males (8% vs. 5.1%; unadjusted SHR 1.6, 95% CI 1.24–2.06) for type A open surgery, but not for type B stent surgery.

Conclusions

No significant sex-related difference was found for the in-hospital mortality or accumulative all-cause mortality. However, there were more redo aortic surgeries for males and more postoperative depression for females in type A AAD population.

Influence of Sex on Outcomes After Thoracic Endovascular Repair for Type B Aortic Dissection

We aimed to investigate whether sex differences influence the clinical outcomes of patients who undergo thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained single-center cohort of patients with TBAD who underwent TEVAR between January 2010 and June 2017. We evaluated the in-hospital and long-term mortality and composite end point. Of the 913 patients, 793 (86.8%) were male and 120 (13.1%) were female. Compared to male patients, the female patients were older, more likely to have diabetes mellitus, but less likely to smoke or have hypertension. The proximal landing zone in 0 and 1 was higher in male patients (P = .023), who were more likely to require an aortic arch bypass. Endoleak, delirium, and ICU stay after stent-graft implantation were also more frequent in men. Sex factor was not associated with in-hospital or long-term mortality or the composite end point in the multivariable regression analyses and Cox regression model. The mean estimated survival time was similar between males and females (2462.9 ± 141.2 vs 2804.1 ± 117.4 days, P = .167) in the propensity score-matched cohort. Despite distinct characteristics between sex, there was no sex-related difference in long-term clinical outcomes after TEVAR for TBAD.

Sex-specific risk factors for early mortality and survival after surgery of acute aortic dissection type a: a retrospective observational study

Background

Although gender-related disparities in cardiovascular surgery have been investigated extensively in the past decades, knowledge about the impact of gender on outcomes after surgery for acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is sparse. This study investigated the impact of gender on early morbidity and mortality and follow-up outcome in patients after surgery for AADA and to analyze gender-related risk factors for 30-day mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 368 consecutive patients (male 65.8% vs. female 34.2%) undergoing surgery for AADA between 2001 and 2016 at our department. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves. Risk factors for 30-day mortality were assessed by multivariable logistic regression and interaction analysis.

Results

Women were older (70.7 years vs. 60.6 years; p <  0.001) and showed a higher logistic EuroSCORE I (31.0% vs. 19.7%, p <  0.001). In the male group, a higher portion of smokers (27.6% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.015) and intraoperatively, more complex procedures and longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (171 min vs. 149 min, p = 0.001) and cross-clamping times (94 min vs. 85 min, p = 0.018) occurred. 30-day mortality was 19.0% in the female and 16.5% in the male group (p = 0.545). Predictive for 30-day mortality in both genders was intraoperative blood transfusion, while in the female group chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral arterial disease and preoperative intubation were predictive. Preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and duration of CPB time were predictors only in males. Averaged follow-up time was 5.2 years and survival did not differ between genders, even if it was stratified by age over 70 years.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrated a similar and satisfactory survival in both genders after surgical treatment of AADA. Women and men differed significantly in age, unadjusted and adjusted risk factors and complexity of surgical treatment, but gender itself was no risk factor for mortality. These results suggest that the decision-making for surgical treatment should not depend on gender, but that accounting for sex-specific risk factors rather than common risk factors may help to improve the outcome in both genders.

Effects of Sex on Early Outcome following Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: Results from The Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (NORCAAD)

Background  Female sex is known to have increased perioperative mortality in cardiac surgery. Studies reporting effects of sex on outcome following surgical repair for acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) have been limited by small cohorts of heterogeneous patient populations and have shown diverging results. This study aimed to compare perioperative characteristics, operative management, and postoperative outcome between sexes in a large and well-defined cohort of patients operated for ATAAD.

Methods  The Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection study included patients with surgical repair of ATAAD at eight Nordic centers between January 2005 and December 2014. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Results  Females represented 373 (32%) out of 1,154 patients and were significantly older (65 ± 11 vs. 60 ± 12 years, p  < 0.001), had lower body mass index (25.8 ± 5.4 vs. 27.2 ± 4.3 kg/m ² , p  < 0.001), and had more often a history of hypertension (59% vs. 48%, p  = 0.001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8% vs. 4%, p  = 0.033) compared with males. More females presented with DeBakey class II as compared with males with dissection of the ascending aorta alone (33.4% vs. 23.1%, p  = 0.003). Hypothermic cardiac arrest time (28 ± 16 vs. 31 ± 19 minutes, p  = 0.026) and operation time (345 ± 133 vs. 374 ± 135 minutes, p  < 0.001) were shorter among females. There was no difference between the sexes in unadjusted intraoperative death (9.1% vs. 6.7%, p  = 0.17) or 30-day mortality (17.7% vs. 17.4%, p  = 0.99). In a multivariable analysis including perioperative factors influencing mortality, no difference was found between females and males in 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–1.38, p  = 0.69).

Conclusions  This study found no association between sex and early mortality following surgery for ATAAD, despite females being older and having more comorbidities, yet also presenting with a less widespread dissection than males.

Initial clinical evaluation of preoperative frailty in surgical patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively assessed the initial clinical role of preoperative frailty in surgical patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAAD).

METHODS

One hundred and fourteen consecutive patients who underwent emergent or urgent surgical interventions for AAAD in our institute between April 2000 and March 2016 participated in this retrospective study. Patients with more than three of the following six modalities were defined as being frail: age older than 75 years, preoperative requirement of assistance in daily living, body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m², female, history of major stroke, and chronic kidney disease greater than class 3b. Twenty-three patients (20.2%) were diagnosed with frailty (group F), while 91 patients (79.8%) were not (group N). Early clinical outcomes, major postoperative complications, postoperative recovery of activity, and early or mid-term survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Although early clinical outcomes and the prevalence of major postoperative complications were similar in both groups, postoperative activity of daily living (ADL), such as the rate of being ambulatory on discharge (p < 0.05) and home discharge (p < 0.01), was significantly lower in group F than in group N. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 1- and 5-year survival rates were similar in groups F (85.9 and 76.4%, respectively) and N (86.0 and 76.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative frailty in AAAD surgical patients has potential as a prognostic factor that affects delays in ADL recovery, but does not influence the early or mid-term clinical outcomes of prompt surgical strategies for life rescue in AAAD patients with frailty.