Gender difference in stroke case fatality: An integrated study of hospitalization and mortality

Background: Providing regional and state-specific prognosis factors for stroke patients has both clinical and public health importance. Results from previous studies of sex difference in stroke case fatality have been mixed. The current study links stroke hospitalizations to community-based mortality records to examine sex difference in stroke case fatality and associated prognosis factors. Methods: Hospital discharge data and death certificate data from January 2005 to December 2009 in Nebraska were linked. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate sex differences in 30-day mortality, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to predict overall survival. Results: A total of 15,806 patients were included. Females were more likely to die during the 30 days after stroke hospitalization. However, there was no significant difference in overall survival in the multivariate analysis that controlled for age, comorbidity, and rehabilitation factors. Females were more likely to have comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation, anemia, and heart failure, while males were more likely to have chronic kidney disease. In addition, males were more likely to receive rehabilitation services after stroke. Conclusions: Among persons hospitalized with a stroke in Nebraska between 2005 and 2009, the crude case fatality rate was 50% higher in women. However, after accounting for age and other variables, adjusted mortality rates were essentially the same for men and women.