Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more
Advertisement
Female patients less likely to receive invasive care
Review identifies recurring sex-based differences across specialties, including lower use of intensive and guideline-compliant treatment among female patients.
Clinical Report: Female Patients Less Likely to Receive Invasive Care
Overview
A scoping review reveals that female patients are less likely than male patients to receive invasive or intensive treatments across various medical specialties. The review included 41 studies, with a significant majority reporting treatment differences based on sex.
Background
Understanding sex-based differences in medical treatment is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare delivery. This review highlights persistent disparities in the management of female patients.
Data Highlights
The review included 41 studies, with 33 (87%) reporting significant treatment differences between sexes. Among 29 case series using multivariable analysis, 25 (86%) found significant differences.
Key Findings
Female patients were less likely to receive invasive procedures in cardiovascular care.
Male patients with Parkinson disease were more likely to be referred for deep brain stimulation.
In liver transplantation studies, male patients had a higher likelihood of receiving a transplant.
Female patients requiring dialysis spent longer with central venous catheters and were less likely to transition to permanent access.
In emergency medicine, female patients were less likely to receive targeted temperature management following cardiac arrest.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be aware of potential biases in treatment decisions based on patient sex.
Conclusion
The review documents the need for further investigation into the reasons behind sex-based differences in treatment.
A systematic review of more than 2.3 million patients found that women and men had different patterns of postoperative complications and recovery, with age and implant strategy modifying observed differences.
In adults diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension within the previous year, adding sotatercept to background therapy reduced the risk of clinical worsening events by 76% compared with placebo.
