Unveiling gender disparities in cerebrovascular accident outcomes: a retrospective analysis

Anjali Shankar; Tahira Maqsood; Suhail Ahmed Aghani; Marvi Lakhair; Abdul Ghafoor Magsi; Alam Ibrahim Siddiqui

doi:10.56310/pjns.v21i01.494

Anjali Shankar Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana
Tahira Maqsood Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana
Suhail Ahmed Aghani Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana
Marvi Lakhair Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana
Abdul Ghafoor Magsi Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana
Alam Ibrahim Siddiqui Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56310/pjns.v21i01.494

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, Cerebrovascular accident, Comorbidities, Gender differences, Hypertension, Mortality, Stroke outcomes

Abstract

Background and objective:
Cerebrovascular accidents cause significant global mortality and disability. Sex-specific disparities in presentation and recovery may affect prognosis, especially in resource-limited settings like Pakistan. The objective of this study was to investigate gender-based differences in clinical profiles, comorbidities, and short-term outcomes of acute stroke patients in a tertiary care centre in Larkana, Pakistan.

Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted on 194 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke confirmed through CT or MRI scan. Among them, 110 (56.7%) were females and 84 (43.2%) were males, with an overall mean age of 41.5 ± 5 years (range 18–65 years). Data on demographics, comorbidities, stroke severity (NIHSS), and functional outcomes (mRS) were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Quantitative data were expressed as mean ± SD, while categorical variables were presented as percentages. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Hypertension (26.8% females vs. 30.9% males) and diabetes mellitus (22.1% females vs. 7.7% males) were the most common comorbidities. Severe stroke (NIHSS >16) was observed in 40.9% of women compared to 11.9% of men, while mild stroke (NIHSS <8) was seen in 27.2% of females and 23.8% of males. At discharge, 50% of men achieved functional independence (mRS 0–2) versus 22.7% of women. In-hospital mortality was higher among females (7.27%) than males (4.7%), and 34.5% of women had prolonged hospitalization (>7 days).

Conclusion:
The study identified significant gender-based differences in stroke presentation and outcomes, with women exhibiting greater disease severity and higher mortality.