Sex-Related Differences in Patients’ Characteristics, Provided Care, and Outcomes Following Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Sex-related differences in patients with spontaneous, non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are poorly investigated so far. This study elucidates whether sex-related differences in ICH care in a neurocritical care setting exist, particularly regarding provided care, while also taking patient characteristics, and outcomes into account. METHODS: This retrospective single center study includes all consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to the neurocritical care unit in a 10-year period. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities, symptoms at presentation, radiological findings, surgical and medical provided care, intensive care unit mortality and 12 month-mortality, and functional outcome at discharge were compared among men and women. RESULTS: Overall, 398 patients were included (male = 198 and female = 200). No differences in demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), symptoms at presentation, radiological findings, intensive care unit mortality and 12-month mortality were observed among men and women. Men received an external ventricular drain (EVD) for hydrocephalus-therapy significantly more often than women, despite similar location of the ICH and radiographic parameters. In the multivariate analysis, EVD insertion was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio 2.82, 95% confidence interval 1.61–4.95, P < 0.001) irrespective of demographic or radiological features. Functional outcome after ICH as assessed by the modified Rankin scale, was more favorable for women (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Sex-related differences in patients with ICH regarding to provided neurosurgical care exist. We provide evidence that insertion of EVD is associated with male sex, disregarding clear reasoning. A sex-bias as well as social factors may play a significant role in decision-making for the insertion of an EVD.