Incidence and Outcomes of Hemorrhagic Stroke among Adults in Spain (2016–2018) According to Sex: A Retrospective, Cohort, Observational, Propensity Score Matched Study

• Main Authors: Jose M. de Miguel-Yanes, Ana Lopez-de-Andres, Rodrigo Jimenez-Garcia, Valentin Hernandez-Barrera, Javier de Miguel-Diez, Manuel Méndez-Bailón, Napoleón Pérez-Farinós, Nuria Muñoz-Rivas, David Carabantes-Alarcon, Marta López-Herranz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: hemorrhagic stroke; sex differences; decompressive craniectomy; in-hospital mortality
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/16/3753

(1) Background: We aim to analyze sex differences in the incidence, clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) in Spain (2016–2018) using the National Hospital Discharge Database. (2) Methods: Retrospective, cohort, observational study. We estimated the incidence of HS in men and women. We analyzed comorbidity, treatments, procedures, and hospital outcomes. We matched each woman with a man by age, type of HS and medical conditions using propensity score matching. (3) Results: HS was coded in 57,227 patients aged ≥18 years (44.3% women). Overall, men showed higher incidence rates (57.3/10⁵ vs. 43.0/10⁵; <i>p</i> < 0.001; IRR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.38–1.83). Women suffered more subarachnoid hemorrhages (25.2% vs. 14.6%), whereas men more often had intracerebral hemorrhages (55.7% vs. 54.1%). In-hospital mortality (IHM) was higher for intracerebral hemorrhage in both men and women. Women underwent decompressive craniectomy less often than men (5.0% vs. 6.2%; <i>p</i> < 0.001). After matching, IHM among women was higher (29.0% vs. 23.7%; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Increments in age, comorbidity and use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents prior to hospitalization were associated were higher IHM, and decompressive craniectomy was associated with lower IHM in both sexes. After multivariable adjustment, women had higher IHM (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.18–1.28). (4) Conclusion: Men had higher incidence rates of HS than women. Women less often underwent decompressive craniectomy. IHM was higher among women admitted for HS than among men.