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Carcel C, Tastula K, Henry A. Stroke in young women: the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Med J Aust 2024; 221:571-572. [PMID: 39647997 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/10/2024]
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Carcel C, Vassallo A, Hallam L, Shanthosh J, Thompson K, Halliday L, Anderst J, Smith AK, McKenzie BL, Newman CE, Bennett-Brook K, Wainer Z, Woodward M, Norton R, Chappell L. Policies on the collection, analysis, and reporting of sex and gender in Australian health and medical research: a mixed methods study. Med J Aust 2024; 221:374-380. [PMID: 39244700 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the policies of key organisations in Australian health and medical research on defining, collecting, analysing, and reporting data on sex and gender, and to identify barriers to and facilitators of developing and implementing such policies. STUDY DESIGN Mixed methods study: online planning forum; survey of organisations in Australian health and medical research, and internet search for policies defining, collecting, analysing, and reporting data by sex and gender in health and medical research. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Australia, 19 May 2021 (planning forum) to 12 December 2022 (final internet search). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Relevant webpages and documents classified as dedicated organisation-specific sex and gender policies; policies, guidelines, or statements with broader aims, but including content that met the definition of a sex and gender policy; and references to external policies. RESULTS The online planning forum identified 65 relevant organisations in Australian health and medical research; twenty participated in the policy survey. Seven organisations reported at least one relevant policy, and six had plans to develop or implement such policies during the following two years. Barriers to and facilitators of policy development and implementation were identified in the areas of leadership, language and definitions, and knowledge skills and training. The internet search found that 57 of the 65 organisations had some form of sex and gender policy, including all ten peer-reviewed journals and five of ten research funders; twelve organisations, including eight peak body organisations, had published dedicated sex and gender policies on their websites. CONCLUSION Most of the organisations included in our study had policies regarding the integration of sex and gender in health and medical research. The implementation and evaluation of these policies is necessary to ensure that consideration of sex and gender is adequate during all stages of the research process.
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You S, Wang Y, Wang X, Maeda T, Ouyang M, Han Q, Li Q, Song L, Zhao Y, Chen C, Delcourt C, Ren X, Carcel C, Zhou Z, Cao Y, Liu CF, Zheng D, Arima H, Robinson TG, Chen X, Lindley RI, Chalmers J, Anderson CS. Twenty-Four-Hour Post-Thrombolysis NIHSS Score As the Strongest Prognostic Predictor After Acute Ischemic Stroke: ENCHANTED Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e036109. [PMID: 39258531 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.124.036109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to determine optimal predictive ability of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) measurements at baseline, 24 hours, and change from baseline to 24 hours after thrombolysis on functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke who participated in the ENCHANTED (Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study). METHODS AND RESULTS ENCHANTED was an international, multicenter, 2×2 quasifactorial, prospective, randomized open trial of low-dose versus standard-dose intravenous alteplase and intensive versus guideline-recommended blood pressure lowering in thrombolysis-eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke. Absolute (baseline minus 24 hours) and percentage (absolute change/baseline × 100) changes in NIHSS scores were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses assessed performance of different NIHSS measurements on 90-day favorable functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2) and excellent functional recovery (mRS score 0-1). Youden index was used to identify optimal predictor cutoff points. A total of 4410 patients in the ENCHANTED trial were enrolled. The 24-hour NIHSS score had the highest discriminative ability for predicting favorable 90-day functional recovery (mRS score 0-2; area under the curve 0.866 versus 0.755, 0.689, 0.764; P<0.001) than baseline, absolute, and percentage change of NIHSS score, respectively. The optimal cutoff point of 24-hour NIHSS score for predicting favorable functional recovery was ≤4 (sensitivity 66.5%, specificity 87.1%, adjusted odds ratio, 9.44 [95% CI, 7.77-11.48]). The 24-hour NIHSS score (≤3) was the best predictor of 90-day excellent functional recovery (mRS score 0-1). Findings were consistent across subgroups, including sex, race, baseline NIHSS score, stroke subtype, and age. CONCLUSIONS In thrombolysis-eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke, 24-hour NIHSS score (optimal cutpoint of 4) is the strongest predictor of 90-day functional recovery over baseline and early change of NIHSS score. REGISTRATION URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT01422616.
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Carcel C, Clancy L, Harris K, Peters R, Byrne A, Bassett K, Freed R, Hoyos CM, Rodgers A, Lindley R, Chalmers J, Xu Y, Woodward M, Ouyang M, Naismith SL, Anderson C. Randomised controlled decentralised feasibility trial of a fixed low-dose combination antihypertensive drug strategy to attenuate cognitive decline in high-risk adults. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080862. [PMID: 39181551 PMCID: PMC11344491 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Action To promote brain HEalth iN Adults study aimed to determine the feasibility and applicability of recruitment using home blood pressure (BP) monitoring, routine blood biochemistry and videoconference measures of cognition, in adults at high risk of dementia. DESIGN A decentralised double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised feasibility trial with a four-stage screening process. SETTING Conducted with participants online in the state of New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Participants were aged 50-70 years with moderately elevated BP (systolic >120 and <160 mm Hg or diastolic >80 and <95 mm Hg) and ≥1 additional enrichment risk factor of monotherapy treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, obesity, current smoking or a first degree relative with dementia, which indicated an elevated risk for future cognitive decline. INTERVENTION Triple Pill (active antihypertensive treatment of telmisartan 20 mg, amlodipine 2.5 mg and indapamide 1.25 mg) or placebo Triple Pill (blinded study capsules). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was feasibility of the study expressed as the percentage of participants randomised from those who were screened. Secondary outcomes were the applicability of videoconference measures of cognition and the overall trial, tolerability of the Triple Pill, safety outcomes and medication adherence. RESULTS The proportion (95% CI) of patients randomised to those screened was 5% (2%-10%). The applicability of the trial expressed as percentage of those who completed all remote assessments over the number of randomised participants was 67% (95% CI 05 to 22%). There were no serious adverse events or withdrawals from treatment. All participants adhered to study medication, except for one person who had two capsules left at the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS The feasibility of this decentralised trial on BP lowering in patients at high risk for dementia is low. However, the applicability of remote assessments of cognitive function is acceptable. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000121864.
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Gadsden T, Hallam L, Carcel C, Norton R, Woodward M, Chappell L, Downey LE. Theory of change for addressing sex and gender bias, invisibility and exclusion in Australian health and medical research, policy and practice. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:86. [PMID: 39010123 PMCID: PMC11251305 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender are inadequately considered in health and medical research, policy and practice, leading to preventable disparities in health and wellbeing. Several global institutions, journals, and funding bodies have developed policies and guidelines to improve the inclusion of diverse participants and consideration of sex and gender in research design and reporting and the delivery of clinical care. However, according to recent evaluations, these policies have had limited impact on the inclusion of diverse research participants, adequate reporting of sex and gender data and reducing preventable inequities in access to, and quality provision of, healthcare. In Australia, the Sex and Gender Policies in Medical Research (SGPMR) project aims to address sex and gender bias in health and medical research by (i) examining how sex and gender are currently considered in Australian research policy and practice; (ii) working with stakeholders to develop policy interventions; and (iii) understanding the wider impacts, including economic, of improved sex and gender consideration in Australian health and medical research. In this paper we describe the development of a theory of change (ToC) for the SGPMR project. The ToC evolved from a two-stage process consisting of key stakeholder interviews and a consultation event. The ToC aims to identify the pathways to impact from improved consideration of sex and gender in health and medical research, policy and practice, and highlight how key activities and policy levers can lead to improvements in clinical practice and health outcomes. In describing the development of the ToC, we present an entirely novel framework for outlining how sex and gender can be appropriately considered within the confines of health and medical research, policy and practice.
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Shajahan S, Peters R, Carcel C, Woodward M, Harris K, Anderson CS. Hypertension and Mild Cognitive Impairment: State-of-the-Art Review. Am J Hypertens 2024; 37:385-393. [PMID: 38214550 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mid-life hypertension is associated with cognitive decline and dementia in later life. Reducing high blood pressure (BP) with antihypertensive agents is a well-researched strategy to prevent dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is still limited direct evidence to support the approach, and particularly for the treatment of the very old and those with existing MCI. METHODS This review presents an overview of the current evidence for the relationship between MCI and hypertension, and of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms related to cognitive decline and incidence dementia in relation to aging. RESULTS Although observational data are near consistent in showing an association between mid-life hypertension and MCI and/or dementia, the evidence in relation to hypertension in younger adults and the very old (age >80 years) is much more limited. Most of the commonly available antihypertensive agents appear to provide beneficial effects in reducing the risk dementia, but there is limited evidence to support such treatment in those with existing MCI. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to determine the optimal levels of BP control across different age groups, especially in adults with MCI, and which class(es) of antihypertensive agents and duration of treatment best preserve cognitive function in those at risk of, or with established, MCI.
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Nguyen MTH, Sakamoto Y, Maeda T, Woodward M, Anderson CS, Catiwa J, Yazidjoglou A, Carcel C, Yang M, Wang X. Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Functional Outcomes After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033078. [PMID: 38639361 PMCID: PMC11179939 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review aimed to quantify the impact of socioeconomic status on functional outcomes from stroke and identify the socioeconomic status indicators that exhibit the highest magnitude of association. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a systematic literature search across Medline and Embase from inception to May 2022, to identify observational studies (n≥100, and in English). Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool data. We included 19 studies (157 715 patients, 47.7% women) reporting functional outcomes measured with modified Rankin Scale or Barthel index, with 10 assessed as low risk of bias. Measures of socioeconomic status reported were education (11 studies), income (8), occupation (4), health insurance status (3), and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (3). Pooled data suggested that low socioeconomic status was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes, including incomplete education or below high school level versus high school attainment and above (odds ratio [OR], 1.66 [95% CI, 1.40-1.95]), lowest income versus highest income (OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.02-1.83]), a manual job/being unemployed versus a nonmanual job/working (OR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.29-2.02]), and living in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic neighborhood versus the least disadvantaged (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.25-1.92]). Low health insurance status was also associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes (OR, 1.32 [95% CI, 0.95-1.84]), although this was association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Despite great strides in stroke treatment in the past decades, social disadvantage remains a risk factor for poor functional outcome after an acute stroke. Further research is needed to better understand causal mechanisms and disparities.
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Haupt S, Carcel C, Norton R. Neglecting sex and gender in research is a public-health risk. Nature 2024; 629:527-530. [PMID: 38750229 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-01372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
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Zhou Z, You S, Sakamoto Y, Xu Y, Ding S, Xu W, Li W, Yu J, Wang Y, Harris K, Delcourt C, Reeves MJ, Lindley RI, Parsons MW, Woodward M, Anderson C, Du X, Pu J, Wardlaw JM, Carcel C. Covert Cerebrovascular Changes in People With Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurology 2024; 102:e209204. [PMID: 38531010 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of silent brain infarction (SBI) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in adults with atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease, heart failure or cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, and patent foramen ovale (PFO), with comparisons between those with and without recent stroke and an exploration of associations between heart disease and SBI/CSVD. METHODS Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for hospital-based or community-based studies reporting SBI/CSVD in people with heart disease. Data were extracted from eligible studies. Outcomes were SBI (primary) and individual CSVD subtypes. Summary prevalence (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence ratios (PRs) (95% CI) were calculated to compare those with heart disease with available control participants without heart disease from studies. RESULTS A total of 221 observational studies were included. In those with AF, the prevalence was 36% (31%-41%) for SBI (70 studies, N = 13,589), 25% (19%-31%) for lacune (26 studies, N = 7,172), 62% (49%-74%) for white matter hyperintensity/hypoattenuation (WMH) (34 studies, N = 7,229), and 27% (24%-30%) for microbleed (44 studies, N = 13,654). Stratification by studies where participants with recent stroke were recruited identified no differences in the prevalence of SBI across subgroups (phomogeneity = 0.495). Results were comparable across participants with different heart diseases except for those with PFO, in whom there was a lower prevalence of SBI [21% (13%-30%), 11 studies, N = 1,053] and CSVD. Meta-regressions after pooling those with any heart disease identified associations of increased (study level) age and hypertensives with more SBIs and WMH (pregression <0.05). There was no evidence of a difference in the prevalence of microbleed between those with and without heart disease (PR [95% CI] 1.1 [0.7-1.7]), but a difference was seen in the prevalence of SBI and WMH (PR [95% CI] 2.3 [1.6-3.1] and 1.7 [1.1-2.6], respectively). DISCUSSION People with heart disease have a high prevalence of SBI (and CSVD), which is similar in those with vs without recent stroke. More research is required to assess causal links and implications for management. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION PROSPERO CRD42022378272 (crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).
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Heffernan M, Woodward M, De Silva DA, Chen C, Anderson CS, Kremer C, Harris K, Sandset EC, Ferretti MT, Caso V, Carcel C. Sex and gender publications in brain health: a mapping review of the Asia-Pacific region. Cerebrovasc Dis 2024:000537946. [PMID: 38402856 DOI: 10.1159/000537946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reporting of sex and gender analysis in medical research has been shown to improve quality of the science and ensures findings are applicable to women and men. There is conflicting evidence on whether efforts by funding agencies and medical journals to encourage reporting of sex and gender analysis has resulted in tangible improvements. This study mapped the inclusion of sex and gender analysis in stroke and dementia research conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS A systematic search for Asia-Pacific stroke and dementia research was conducted in PubMed and papers included from the period 2012 to 2022. Eligible studies were reviewed for inclusion of a primary sex or gender focus and categorized by type of sex and gender analysis. Author gender was determined using an algorithm and its associations with inclusion of sex and gender analysis examined. RESULTS Total Asia-Pacific publications increased from 109 in 2012 to 313 in 2022, but the rate of studies with a primary sex or gender focus did not increase significantly (R2 = 0.06, F(1,9) = 0.59, p = 0.46). Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea produced the most publications over the study period and were the only countries with at least 50 publications. The impact of author gender was mixed, with female first authorship associated with inclusion of sex or gender analysis and last female authorship associated with studies having a primary sex or gender focus. CONCLUSIONS In the Asia-Pacific, brain health research is currently centered around high income countries and efforts are needed to ensure research findings are applicable through out the region. While there was a general increase in brain health publications over the last decade, the rate of sex and gender analysis was unchanged. This demonstrates that even with efforts in some countries in place, there is currently a lack of progress in the Asia-Pacific region to produce more research focusing on sex and gender analysis.
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Carcel C, Haupt S, Arnott C, Yap ML, Henry A, Hirst JE, Woodward M, Norton R. A life-course approach to tackling noncommunicable diseases in women. Nat Med 2024; 30:51-60. [PMID: 38242981 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02738-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Women's health has been critically underserved by a failure to look beyond women's sexual and reproductive systems to adequately consider their broader health needs. In almost every country in the world, noncommunicable diseases are the leading causes of death for women. Among these, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke) and cancer are the major causes of mortality. Risks for these conditions exist at each stage of women's lives, but recognition of the unique needs of women for the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases is relatively recent and still emerging. Once they are diagnosed, treatments for these diseases are often costly and noncurative. Therefore, we call for a strategic, innovative life-course approach to identifying disease triggers and instigating cost-effective measures to minimize exposure in a timely manner. Prohibitive barriers to implementing this holistic approach to women's health exist in both the social arena and the medical arena. Recognizing these impediments and implementing practical approaches to surmounting them is a rational approach to advancing health equity for women, with ultimate benefits for society as a whole.
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Xu Y, Harris K, Pouncey AL, Carcel C, Low G, Peters SAE, Woodward M. Sex differences in risk factors for incident peripheral artery disease hospitalisation or death: Cohort study of UK Biobank participants. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292083. [PMID: 37851596 PMCID: PMC10584119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often have atypical symptoms, late hospital presentations, and worse prognosis. Risk factor identification and management are important. We assessed sex differences in associations of risk factors with PAD. METHODS 500,207 UK Biobank participants (54.5% women, mean age 56.5 years) without prior hospitalisation of PAD at baseline were included. Examined risk factors included blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lipids, adiposity, history of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), socioeconomic status, kidney function, C-reactive protein, and alcohol consumption. Poisson and Cox regressions were used to estimate sex-specific incidence of PAD hospitalisation or death, hazard ratios (HRs), and women-to-men ratios of HRs (RHR) with confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Over a median of 12.6 years, 2658 women and 5002 men had a documented PAD. Age-adjusted incidence rates were higher in men. Most risk factors were associated with a higher risk of PAD in both sexes. Compared with men, women who were smokers or had a history of stroke or MI had a greater excess risk of PAD (relative to those who never smoked or had no history of stroke or MI): RHR 1.18 (95%CI 1.04, 1.34), 1.26 (1.02, 1.55), and 1.50 (1.25, 1.81), respectively. Higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was more strongly associated with a lower risk of PAD in women than men, RHR 0.81 (0.68, 0.96). Compared to HDL-C at 40 to 60 mg/dL, the lowest level of HDL-C (≤40 mg/dL) was related to greater excess risk in women, RHR 1.20 (1.02, 1.41), whereas the highest level of HDL-C (>80 mg/dL) was associated with lower risk of PAD in women, but higher risk in men, RHR 0.50 (0.38, 0.65). CONCLUSIONS While the incidence of PAD was higher in men, smoking and a history of stroke or MI were more strongly associated with a higher risk of PAD in women than men. HDL-C was more strongly associated with a lower risk of PAD in women than men.
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Pinho-Gomes AC, Carcel C, Woodward M, Hockham C. Women's representation in clinical trials of patients with chronic kidney disease. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:1457-1464. [PMID: 37664564 PMCID: PMC10469102 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sex and gender differences in chronic kidney disease (CKD), including epidemiology and response to treatment, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate how women are represented in CKD clinical trials and whether sex- and gender-disaggregated outcomes were reported. Methods Clinical trials on CKD were identified from ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomised, phase 3/4 trials with ≥100 participants were selected to quantify women's representation among participants by computing the participation:prevalence ratio (PPR) and investigating whether sex-disaggregated analyses had been performed. Results In total, 192 CKD trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and published between 1995 and 2022 were included. Overall, women accounted for 66 875 (45%) of the 147 136 participants. Women's participation in clinical trials was lower than their representation in the underlying CKD population globally (55%). The PPR was 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.72-0.78), with no significant variation irrespective of mean age, CKD stage, dialysis, location, type of intervention or funding agency. A total of 39 (20%) trials reported sex-disaggregated efficacy outcomes and none reported sex-disaggregated safety outcomes. Conclusion Women's participation in CKD clinical trials was lower than their representation in the underlying CKD population. Sex-disaggregated efficacy and safety outcomes were rarely reported. Improving women's enrolment into clinical trials is crucial to enable sex- and gender-disaggregated analysis and thus identify potential differences in treatment response between women and men.
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Carcel C, Haghdoost F, Shen J, Nanda P, Bai Y, Atkins E, Torii-Yoshimura T, Clough AJ, Davies L, Cordato D, Griffiths LR, Balicki G, Wang X, Vidyasagar K, Malavera A, Anderson CS, Zagami AS, Delcourt C, Rodgers A. The effect of blood pressure lowering medications on the prevention of episodic migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cephalalgia 2023; 43:3331024231183166. [PMID: 37350141 DOI: 10.1177/03331024231183166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, only a few specific blood pressure-lowering medications are recommended for migraine prevention. Whether benefits extend to other classes or drugs is uncertain. METHODS Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized control trials on the effect of blood pressure-lowering medications compared with placebo in participants with episodic migraine. Data were collected on four outcomes - monthly headache or migraine days, and monthly headache or migraine attacks, with a standardised mean difference calculated for overall. Random effect meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS In total, 50 trials (70% of which were crossover) were included, comprising 60 comparisons. Overall mean age was 39 years, and 79% were female. Monthly headache days were fewer in all classes compared to placebo, and this was statistically significant for all but one class: alpha-blockers -0.7 (95% CI: -1.2, -0.1), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors -1.3 (95% CI: -2.9, 0.2), angiotensin II receptor blockers -0.9 (-1.6, -0.1), beta-blocker -0.4 (-0.8, -0.0) and calcium channel blockers -1.8 (-3.4, -0.2). Standardised mean difference was significantly reduced for all drug classes and was separately significant for numerous specific drugs: clonidine, candesartan, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, nicardipine and verapamil. CONCLUSION Among people with episodic migraine, a broader number of blood pressure-lowering medication classes and drugs reduce headache frequency than those currently included in treatment guidelines.Trial Registration: The study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42017079176).
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Wang X, You S, Zhou Z, Delcourt C, Wardlaw J, Mair G, Robinson T, Chen X, Yoshimura S, Torii-Yoshimura T, Carcel C, Malavera A, Anderson C, Lindley RI. Baseline brain imaging signs in patients with ischaemic stroke by the presence of atrial fibrillation: the ENCHANTED trial. J Neurol 2023; 270:2567-2575. [PMID: 36939933 PMCID: PMC10130001 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) on outcomes in a post hoc analysis of the ENCHANTED (Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study) and how this association is modified by baseline imaging features. METHODS Inverse probability of treatment weight was used to remove baseline imbalances between those with and without AF. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH), early neurological deterioration or death within 24 h, and death at 90 days. The logistic regression model was used to determine the associations. RESULTS Of the 3285 patients included in this analysis, 636 (19%) had AF at baseline. Compared with non-AF, AF was not significantly associated with an unfavourable shift of mRS (odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-1.24), but with sICH (2.82; 1.78-4.48; IST-3 criteria), early neurological deterioration or death within 24 h (1.31; 1.01-1.70), and death (1.42; 1.12-1.79). Among patients with acute ischaemic signs (presence, extent, swelling and attenuation of acute lesions), AF was associated with the increased risk of all the poor outcomes (all P < 0.04 for interaction). CONCLUSIONS We found AF increased risk of sICH, early neurological deterioration or death and death, but not unfavourable functional recovery at day 90 after thrombolysis in patients with AIS. The presence of acute ischaemic brain imaging signs at stroke presentation could be used to improve risk stratification in the presence of AF. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01422616).
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Li JX, Wang X, Henry A, Anderson CS, Hammond N, Harris K, Liu H, Loffler K, Myburgh J, Pandian J, Smyth B, Venkatesh B, Carcel C, Woodward M. Sex differences in pain expressed by patients across diverse disease states: individual patient data meta-analysis of 33,957 participants in 10 randomized controlled trials. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00275. [PMID: 36972472 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The experience of pain is determined by many factors and has a significant impact on quality of life. This study aimed to determine sex differences in pain prevalence and intensity reported by participants with diverse disease states in several large international clinical trials. Individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire pain data from randomised controlled trials published between January 2000 and January 2020 and undertaken by investigators at the George Institute for Global Health. Proportional odds logistic regression models, comparing pain scores between females and males and fitted with adjustments for age and randomized treatment, were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. In 10 trials involving 33,957 participants (38% females) with EQ-5D pain score data, the mean age ranged between 50 and 74. Pain was reported more frequently by females than males (47% vs 37%; P < 0.001). Females also reported greater levels of pain than males (adjusted odds ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.24-1.61; P < 0.001). In stratified analyses, there were differences in pain by disease group (P for heterogeneity <0.001), but not by age group or region of recruitment. Females were more likely to report pain, and at a higher level, compared with males across diverse diseases, all ages, and geographical regions. This study reinforces the importance of reporting sex-disaggregated analysis to identify similarities and differences between females and males that reflect variable biology and may affect disease profiles and have implications for management.
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Wang X, Carcel C, Woodward M. Differences in the pre-hospital management of women and men with stroke by emergency medical services in New South Wales. Med J Aust 2023; 218:96. [PMID: 36495870 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Carcel C, Woodward M. Gender diversity of clinical practice guideline panels in Australia: important opportunities for progress. Med J Aust 2023; 218:73-74. [PMID: 36625366 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Shajahan S, Sun L, Harris K, Wang X, Sandset EC, Yu AY, Woodward M, Peters SA, Carcel C. Sex differences in the symptom presentation of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Stroke 2023; 18:144-153. [PMID: 35411828 DOI: 10.1177/17474930221090133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis through symptom recognition is vital in the management of acute stroke. However, women who experience stroke are more likely than men to be initially given a nonstroke diagnosis and it is unclear if potential sex differences in presenting symptoms increase the risk of delayed or missed stroke diagnosis. AIMS To quantify sex differences in the symptom presentation of stroke and assess whether these differences are associated with a delayed or missed diagnosis. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to January 2021. Studies were included if they reported presenting symptoms of adult women and men with diagnosed stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and were published in English. Mean percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each symptom were calculated for women and men. The crude relative risks (RRs) with 95% CI of symptoms being present in women, relative to men, were also calculated and pooled. Any data on the delayed or missed diagnosis of stroke for women compared to men based on symptom presentation were also extracted. RESULTS Pooled results from 21 eligible articles showed that women and men presented with a similar mean percentage of motor deficit (56% in women vs 56% in men) and speech deficit (41% in women vs 40% in men). Despite this, women more commonly presented with nonfocal symptoms than men: generalized nonspecific weakness (49% vs 36%), mental status change (31% vs 21%), and confusion (37% vs 28%), whereas men more commonly presented with ataxia (44% vs 30%) and dysarthria (32% vs 27%). Women also had a higher risk of presenting with some nonfocal symptoms: generalized weakness (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.09-2.03), mental status change (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22-1.71), fatigue (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05-1.92), and loss of consciousness (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.12-1.51). In contrast, women had a lower risk of presenting with dysarthria (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.95), dizziness (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.95), gait disturbance (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97), and imbalance (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57-0.81). Only one study linking symptoms to definite stroke/TIA diagnosis found that pain and unilateral sensory loss are associated with lower odds of a definite diagnosis in women compared to men. CONCLUSION Although women showed a higher prevalence of some nonfocal symptoms, the prevalence of focal neurological symptoms, such as motor weakness and speech deficit, was similar for both sexes. Awareness of sex differences in symptoms in acute stroke evaluation, careful consideration of the full constellation of presenting symptoms, and further studies linking symptoms to diagnostic outcomes can be helpful in improving early diagnosis and management in both sexes.
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Hallam L, Vassallo A, Hallam C, Thompson K, Shanthosh J, Chappell L, Wainer Z, Norton R, Woodward M, Carcel C. Sex and gender reporting in Australian health and medical research publications. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100005. [PMID: 36669247 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2022.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine how sex and gender are being incorporated into Australian medical research publications and if this is influenced by journals endorsing the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines, which contain criteria for sex and gender reporting. METHODS Analysis of original research articles published in Australia's top 10 medical journals in 2020. RESULTS From the 10 leading journals, 1,136 articles were eligible for analysis, including 990 human participant populations. Sex and/or gender were reported for 873 (88.2%) human populations, with 480 using conflicting terminology. Only 14 (1.6%) described how sex and gender were determined. The primary outcome, or key aim, was stratified by sex and/or gender for 249 (29.2%) participant groups and the influence of sex and/or gender on the results was discussed for only 171 (17.3%). There was no significant association between endorsement of the ICMJE guidelines and adherence to any sex and gender criteria. CONCLUSIONS Sex and gender are poorly incorporated into Australian medical research publications and was not improved by journals endorsing the ICMJE guidelines. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Reporting and analysis of sex and gender data in health research in Australian medical journals requires improvement, for better health for all.
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Ouyang M, Shajahan S, Liu X, Sun L, Carcel C, Harris K, Anderson CS, Woodward M, Wang X. Sex differences in the utilization and outcomes of endovascular treatment after acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 3:1032592. [PMID: 36741299 PMCID: PMC9889638 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1032592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies of sex differences in the use and outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke report inconsistent results. Methods We systematically searched PubMed and Embase databases for studies examining sex-specific utilization of EVT for acute ischemic stroke published before 31 December 2021. Estimates were compared by study type: randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs (hospital-based, registry-based or administrative data). Random effects odds ratios (ORs) were generated to quantify sex differences in EVT use. To estimate sex differences in functional outcome on the modified Rankin scale after EVT, the female:male ratio of ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained from ordinal or binary analysis. Results 6,396 studies were identified through database searching, of which 594 qualified for a full review. A total of 51 studies (36 non-RCT and 15 RCTs) reporting on sex-specific utilization of EVT were included, and of those 10 estimated the sex differences of EVT on functional outcomes. EVT use was similar in women and men both in non-RCTs (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.96-1.11) and RCTs (1.02, 95% CI: 0.89-1.16), with consistent results across years of publication and regions of study, except that in Europe EVT treatment was higher in women than men (1.15, 95% CI: 1.13-1.16). No sex differences were found in the functional outcome by either ordinal and binary analyses (ORs 0.95, 95% CI: 0.68-1.32] and 0.90, 95% CI: 0.65-1.25, respectively). Conclusions No sex differences in EVT utilization or on functional outcomes were evident after acute ischemic stroke from large-vessel occlusion. Further research may be required to examine sex differences in long-term outcomes, social domains, and quality of life. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=226100, identifier: CRD42021226100.
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Grundtvig J, Ovesen C, Steiner T, Carcel C, Gaist D, Christensen L, Marstrand J, Meden P, Rosenbaum S, Iversen HK, Kruuse C, Christensen T, Ægidius K, Havsteen I, Christensen H. Corrigendum: Sex-differences in oral anticoagulant-related intracerebral hemorrhage. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1055360. [PMID: 36341125 PMCID: PMC9627612 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1055360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Yang M, Cheng H, Wang X, Ouyang M, Shajahan S, Carcel C, Anderson C, Kristoffersen ES, Lin Y, Sandset EC, Wang X, Yang J. Antithrombotics prescription and adherence among stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2752. [PMID: 36067030 PMCID: PMC9575604 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the prescription of antithrombotic drugs (including anticoagulants and antiplatelets) and medication adherence after stroke. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search across MEDLINE and Embase, from January 1, 2015, to February 17, 2022, to identify studies reporting antithrombotic medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) post stroke. Two people independently identified reports to include, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Where possible, data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS We included 453,625 stroke patients from 46 studies. The pooled proportion of prescribed antiplatelets and anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was 62% (95% CI: 57%-68%), and 68% (95% CI: 58%-79%), respectively. The pooled proportion of patients who were treated according to the recommendation of guidelines of antithrombotic medications from four studies was 67% (95% CI: 41%-93%). It was reported that 11% (95% CI: 2%-19%) of patients did not receive antithrombotic medications. Good adherence to antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic medications was 78% (95% CI: 67%-89%), 71% (95% CI: 57%-84%), and 73% (95% CI: 59%-86%), respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we found that less than 70% of patients were prescribed and treated according to the recommended guidelines of antithrombotic medications, and good adherence to antithrombotic medications is only 73%. Prescription rate and good adherence to antithrombotic medications still need to be improved among stroke survivors.
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Pinho-Gomes AC, Gong J, Harris K, Woodward M, Carcel C. Dementia clinical trials over the past decade: are women fairly represented? BMJ Neurol Open 2022; 4:e000261. [PMID: 36110923 PMCID: PMC9445798 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2021-000261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lack of progress in finding disease-modifying treatments for dementia may be due to heterogeneity in treatment effects among subgroups, such as by sex. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of dementia trials completed in the last decade, with a focus on women's representation and sex-disaggregated outcomes. Methods Clinical trials on dementia completed since 2010 were identified from ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomised, phase III/IV trials with ≥100 participants were selected to quantify women's representation among participants, by computing the participation to prevalence ratio (PPR) and investigate whether sex-disaggregated analyses had been performed. Results A total of 1351 trials were identified between January 2010 and August 2021 (429 520 participants), of which 118 were eligible for analysis of women's representation and sex-stratified analysis. Only 113 reported the sex of participants and were included in the analysis of women's representation. Of the 110 469 participants in these 113 trials, 58% were women, lower than their estimated representation in the global dementia population of 64%. The mean PPR was 0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.94). Women's participation tended to be higher when the first or last authors of the trial report were women. Eight out of the 118 trials reported sex-disaggregated outcomes, and three of those found significant sex differences in efficacy outcomes. None of the trials reported screening failures or adverse events stratified by sex. Conclusions Overall, women and men were equally represented in dementia trials carried out over the past decade, but women's representation was lower than in the underlying dementia population. Sex-disaggregated efficacy and safety outcomes were rarely reported.
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Wang X, Carcel C, Hsu B, Shajahan S, Miller M, Peters S, Randall DA, Havard A, Redfern J, Anderson CS, Jorm L, Woodward M. Differences in the pre-hospital management of women and men with stroke by emergency medical services in New South Wales. Med J Aust 2022; 217:143-148. [PMID: 35831059 PMCID: PMC9541458 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine whether pre-hospital emergency medical service care differs for women and men subsequently admitted to hospital with stroke. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Population-based cohort study; analysis of linked Admitted Patient Data Collection and NSW Ambulance data for people admitted to New South Wales hospitals with a principal diagnosis of stroke at separation, 1 July 2005 - 31 December 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Emergency medical service assessments, protocols, and management for patients subsequently diagnosed with stroke, by sex. RESULTS Of 202 231 people hospitalised with stroke (mean age, 73 [SD, 14] years; 98 599 women [51.0%]), 101 357 were conveyed to hospital by ambulance (50.1%). A larger proportion of women than men travelled by ambulance (52.4% v 47.9%; odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07-1.11), but time between the emergency call and emergency department admission was similar for both sexes. The likelihood of being assessed as having a stroke (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.93-1.01) or subarachnoid haemorrhage (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.73-2.03) was similar for women and men, but women under 70 years of age were less likely than men to be assessed as having a stroke (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97). Women were more likely than men to be assessed by paramedics as having migraine, other headache, anxiety, unconsciousness, hypertension, or nausea. Women were less likely than men to be managed according to the NSW Ambulance pre-hospital stroke care protocol (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.97), but the likelihood of basic pre-hospital care was similar for both sexes (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.04). CONCLUSION Our large population-based study identified sex differences in pre-hospital management by emergency medical services of women and men admitted to hospital with stroke. Paramedics should receive training that improves the recognition of stroke symptoms in women.
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