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Ministrini S, Padro T. MicroRNA in cardiometabolic health and disease: The perspectives of sex, gender and personalised medicine. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14223. [PMID: 38623918 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personalized medicine represents a novel and integrative approach that focuses on an individual's genetics and epigenetics, precision medicine, lifestyle and exposures as key players of health status and disease phenotypes. METHODS In this narrative review, we aim to carefully discuss the current knowledge on gender disparities in cardiometabolic diseases, and we consider the sex- specific expression of miRNAs and their role as promising tool in precision medicine. RESULTS Personalised medicine overcomes the restricted care of patient based on a binomial sex approach, by enriching itself with a holistic and dynamic gender integration. Recognized as a major worldwide health emergency, cardiometabolic disorders continue to rise, impacting on health systems and requiring more effective and targeted strategies. Several sex and gender drivers might affect the onset and progression of cardiometabolic disorders in males and females at multiple levels. In this respect, distinct contribution of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, molecular and physiological pathways, sex hormones, visceral fat and subcutaneous fat and lifestyle lead to differences in disease burden and outcomes in males and females. CONCLUSIONS Sex and gender play a pivotal role in precision medicine because the influence the physiology of each individual and the way they interact with environment from intrauterine life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ministrini
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Teresa Padro
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cardiovascular (CIBERCV) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Ceolin C, Papa MV, Scala A, Sergi G, Garolla A. Getting old in the desired gender: a systematic review on aging diseases in transgender people. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02353-y. [PMID: 38904914 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The growing demographic presence of the transgender (TGD) population has sparked an increase in clinical investigations focusing on the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in adults with gender dysphoria. Despite this surge in studies, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the health status of older TGD individuals. This review aims to assess prevalent pathological conditions within the TGD population, specifically concentrating on aging-related diseases investigated to date. METHODS A systematic search across Embase Ovid, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify articles reporting on the aging process in TGD individuals. Methodological quality was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores. RESULTS Initial database searches yielded 12,688 studies, which were refined to 18 through elimination of duplicates and title/abstract review. Following a comprehensive appraisal, nine studies were included in the systematic review. These articles, published between 2017 and 2023, involved a total of 5403 participants. The evidence indicates a noteworthy percentage of the TGD population being at risk for cardiovascular diseases, experiencing depression or disability, and demonstrating hesitancy toward major recommended screening programs. CONCLUSIONS Limited studies on older TGD individuals highlight not only an organic risk of chronic diseases but also a cognitive/psychiatric risk that should not be underestimated. Further research is imperative to deepen our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the health challenges faced by older TGD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ceolin
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
- Regional Reference Center for Gender Incongruence (CRRIG), Padua, Veneto, Italy.
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Aging Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - M V Papa
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - A Scala
- Regional Reference Center for Gender Incongruence (CRRIG), Padua, Veneto, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - G Sergi
- Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Gender Incongruence (CRRIG), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - A Garolla
- Regional Reference Center for Gender Incongruence (CRRIG), Padua, Veneto, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Gosiker B, Moutchia J, Nguyen N, Getahun D, Goodman M. Changes in Blood Lipids Following Initiation of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2024; 36:100349. [PMID: 38737626 PMCID: PMC11087959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides following initiation of feminizing or masculinizing gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Methods A search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases identified potentially relevant articles published from 1990 through 2024. Both observational and randomized trials of adults receiving feminizing or masculinizing GAHT with baseline and follow-up measures were included. Articles were reviewed for eligibility using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The risk of bias in each study was quantified using the NHLBI Study Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group. Random effects models were used to compute the before-and-after meta-differences in mean values for each parameter along with the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity of results. Results Thirty-five studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Masculinizing GAHT was associated with significant changes in serum lipids from baseline up through the 60-month timepoint with meta-difference of means (95% CI) estimates of 26.2mg/dL (23.3,29.0) for LDL-C, 26.1mg/dL (22.8,29.4) for total cholesterol, 30.7mg/dL (6.9,54.6) for triglycerides and -9.4mg/dL (-12.1, -6.7) for HDL-C. Studies evaluating the effects of feminizing GAHT on balance demonstrated no notable changes in HDL-C or triglycerides while the results for LDL-C and total cholesterol were inconsistent. Heterogeneity of results ranged from minimal (I2 = 0%) to substantial (I2 = 90%). Conclusions While the results for transfeminine individuals on GAHT appear somewhat reassuring, transmasculine patients receiving testosterone may benefit from closer monitoring of lipid profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bennett Gosiker
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, United States
| | - Jude Moutchia
- Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nghiem Nguyen
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, United States
| | - Darios Getahun
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, United States
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, United States
| | - Michael Goodman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, United States
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Ong C, Monita M, Liu M. Gender-affirming hormone therapy and cardiovascular health in transgender adults. Climacteric 2024; 27:227-235. [PMID: 38597210 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2024.2310518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
A growing number of people identify as transgender and gender non-binary in the USA and worldwide. Concomitantly, an increasing number of patients are receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to achieve gender congruence. GAHT has far-ranging effects on clinical and subclinical markers of cardiovascular risk. Transgender patients also appear to be at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases compared to their cisgender peers and the impact of gender-affirming therapy on cardiovascular health is unclear. Studies on the effect of GAHT on cardiovascular outcomes are confounded by differences in GAHT regimens and methodological challenges in a diverse and historically hard-to-reach population. Current cardiovascular guidelines do not incorporate gender identity and hormone status into risk stratification and clinical decision-making. In this review, we provide an overview on the cardiometabolic impact and clinical considerations of GAHT for cardiovascular risk in transgender patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ong
- Division of Cardiology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monique Monita
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Minghao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
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Santi D, Spaggiari G, Marinelli L, Cacciani M, Scipio S, Bichiri A, Profeta A, Granata ARM, Simoni M, Lanfranco F, Manieri C, Ghigo E, Motta G. Gender-affirming hormone treatment: friend or foe? Long-term follow-up of 755 transgender people. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:1091-1100. [PMID: 37889433 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) is one of the main demands of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, who are usually categorised as transgender assigned-male-at birth (AMAB) and assigned-female-at birth (AFAB). The aim of the study is to investigate the long-term therapeutic management of GAHT, considering hormonal targets, treatment adjustments and GAHT safety. METHODS A retrospective, longitudinal, observational, multicentre clinical study was carried out. Transgender people, both AMAB and AFAB, were recruited from two Endocrinology Units in Italy (Turin and Modena) between 2005 and 2022. Each subject was managed with specific and personalized follow-up depending on the clinical practice of the Centre. All clinical data routinely collected were extracted, including anthropometric and biochemical parameters, lifestyle habits, GAHT regime, and cardiovascular events. RESULTS Three-hundred and two transgender AFAB and 453 transgender AMAB were included. Similar follow-up duration (p = 0.974) and visits' number (p = 0.384) were detected between groups. The transgender AFAB group reached therapeutic goals in less time (p = 0.002), fewer visits (p = 0.006) and fewer adjustments of GAHT scheme (p = 0.024). Accordingly, transgender AFAB showed a higher adherence to medical prescriptions compared to transgender AMAB people (p < 0.001). No significantly increased rate of cardiovascular events was detected in both groups. CONCLUSION Our real-world clinical study shows that transgender AFAB achieve hormone target earlier and more frequently in comparison to transgender AMAB individuals. Therefore, transgender AMAB people may require more frequent check-ups in order to tailor feminizing GAHT and increase therapeutic adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - G Spaggiari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Cacciani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - S Scipio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - A Bichiri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Profeta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A R M Granata
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - M Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, Humanitas Gradenigo, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Manieri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - E Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
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Yang KJ, Kerr C, Rumps MV, Mulcahey M. Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular considerations for transgender athletes. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38605534 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2024.2342230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Participation in athletics is essential for the overall well-being of transgender athletes and should be included as part of gender-affirming care. Surveys show physicians and athletic trainers want to provide appropriate care for transgender athletes but lack the proper knowledge and training to do so. Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) is part of gender-affirming care, yet the effects of GAHT on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health of transgender athletes is not well-understood. The purpose of this review was to discuss important musculoskeletal and cardiovascular considerations unique to transgender athletes and improve physician understanding in caring for transgender athletes. METHODS A representative selection of literature on the effects of GAHT on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health was included in this review. RESULTS Estrogen therapy may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke, and decrease blood pressure levels among transgender women, while studies on lipid profile are inconsistent among both transgender men and women. Transgender women receiving GAHT may also be at greater risk for bone fracture and ligamentous injuries. CONCLUSION Exercise is essential for the well-being of transgender individuals and special considerations regarding the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health of transgender athletes should be incorporated into standard medical education. Educational programs for transgender patients and their support team should focus on preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of adverse musculoskeletal and cardiovascular events. The PPE is an invaluable tool available to physicians to monitor the health and safety of transgender athletes and should be regularly updated as research on the health of transgender individuals continues to grow. Longitudinal and prospective studies should examine the effects of GAHT on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health of transgender athletes. Lastly, health care providers play an important role in the advancement of gender-neutral policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailynn J Yang
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Canaan Kerr
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mia V Rumps
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mary Mulcahey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
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Waters J, Linsenmeyer W. The impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on nutrition-relevant biochemical measures. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1339311. [PMID: 38646103 PMCID: PMC11026707 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1339311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy carries the potential risk for shifts in biochemical markers that may impact cardiometabolic, hematologic, hepatic, and renal health. The critical evaluation of biochemical data is an integral part of a comprehensive nutrition assessment; therefore, nutrition professionals should be aware of shifts that are expected during the course of masculinizing and feminizing hormone therapy. Changes in important biochemical values along with binary sex-specific standards for interpreting laboratory data can pose significant challenges for nutrition professionals working with transgender and gender-diverse patients who receive gender-affirming hormone therapy. Overall, research on the biochemical impact of masculinizing and feminizing hormone therapy is nascent and limited. Methodologies and outcomes measured are heterogenous across studies, introducing complexities that impede researchers from drawing definitive conclusions. In light of these limitations, this narrative review aims to describe the potential implications of masculinizing and feminizing hormone therapy regimens on biochemical measures that may influence nutrition strategies and interventions to promote optimal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Waters
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL, United States
| | - Whitney Linsenmeyer
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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Mukhtar MU, Raza MS, Rahim A, Haider MU, Anwar A. Addressing iatrophobia in transgender patients. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:887-888. [PMID: 37604964 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Transgender patients continue to receive suboptimal health care due to transphobia and inadequate trans-competency of health care professionals. Lack of adequate training and exposure may lead to improper bedside manners. This factor is among many other systemic and latent ones that inculcate a feeling of iatrophobia in transgender patients. This damages the patient-doctor relationship severely and ultimately results in suboptimal health care outcomes. This paper discusses the causes of iatrophobia in transgender patients and the steps that health care professionals can take to address this phenomenon. The authors believe that health care professionals that pay heed to this paper will greatly improve the competency of their care toward their transgender patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umer Mukhtar
- King Edward Medical University, Anarkali Bazaar, Nila Gumbad Chowk, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | | | - Arzoo Rahim
- King Edward Medical University, Anarkali Bazaar, Nila Gumbad Chowk, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Haider
- King Edward Medical University, Anarkali Bazaar, Nila Gumbad Chowk, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Ammar Anwar
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Romanelli RJ, Rosenblatt AS, Marcum ZA, Flatt JD. Cognitive Impairment in Sexual and Gender Minority Groups: A Scoping Review of the Literature. LGBT Health 2024; 11:178-192. [PMID: 37824757 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this review was to synthesize evidence on differences in cognitive impairment by sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) status. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. Five databases (PubMed/Medline, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Embase) were searched for primary articles comparing incidence or prevalence of cognitive impairment among sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups versus non-SGM groups. Two reviewers independently screened articles and conducted risk-of-bias assessment on eligible articles. Results: Fifteen primary studies were eligible. Most studies (n = 13) were cross-sectional, with moderate to critical risk of bias. Among eight studies examining self-reported cognitive impairment, seven reported a higher prevalence among some SGM groups versus non-SGM groups. Among seven studies using objective measures of cognitive impairment, three examined prevalence of clinician-documented diagnosis of dementia, of which two reported a higher prevalence specifically among transgender versus cisgender individuals. Among the other four studies examining objective measures, two reported poorer cognitive performance or memory, one reported better performance, and another reported no difference. Comparisons across studies were challenging due to inconsistencies in how SOGI and cognitive impairment were operationalized, and the factors used for statistical adjustment; some studies adjusted for putative intermediary factors that potentially explain differences in cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Whereas most published studies identified a positive relationship between SOGI status and self-reported cognitive impairment, evidence is mixed with regard to objective cognitive performance. Well-designed longitudinal, observational studies are needed, using objective measures of cognitive function, with careful consideration of confounding versus intermediary risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew S Rosenblatt
- Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer's & Memory Disorders, Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zachary A Marcum
- University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jason D Flatt
- University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Public Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Bonomo JA, Luo K, Ramallo JA. LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity: a brief review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1350603. [PMID: 38510198 PMCID: PMC10951381 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1350603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Data shows that social drivers of health (SDOH), including economic stability, racial/cultural identity, and community, have a significant impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minority) patients face a variety of unique health risk factors and bear a disproportionate burden of CVD compared to cis-gender, heterosexual peers. There is a paucity of research assessing the etiologies of CVD health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. Herein, we seek to explore existing literature on LGBTQ+ health disparities with a focus on cardiovascular disease, examine trends impacting LGBTQ+ health equity, and identify strategies and interventions that aim to promote LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health equity on a regional and national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A. Bonomo
- Inova Scar Heart and Vascular, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, United States
| | - Kate Luo
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jorge A. Ramallo
- Inova Pride Clinic, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, United States
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McQueen P, Molina D, Pinos I, Krug S, Taylor AJ, LaFrano MR, Kane MA, Amengual J. Finasteride delays atherosclerosis progression in mice and is associated with a reduction in plasma cholesterol in men. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100507. [PMID: 38272355 PMCID: PMC10899056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Finasteride is commonly prescribed to treat benign prostate hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness in cis men and, more recently, trans individuals. However, the effect of finasteride on cardiovascular disease remains elusive. We evaluated the role of finasteride on atherosclerosis using low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice. Next, we examined the relevance to humans by analyzing the data deposited between 2009 and 2016 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We show that finasteride reduces total plasma cholesterol and delays the development of atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice. Finasteride reduced monocytosis, monocyte recruitment to the lesion, macrophage lesion content, and necrotic core area, the latter of which is an indicator of plaque vulnerability in humans. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a downregulation of inflammatory pathways and an upregulation of bile acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and cholesterol pathways in the liver of mice taking finasteride. Men reporting the use of finasteride showed lower plasma levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than those not taking the drug. Our data unveil finasteride as a potential treatment to delay cardiovascular disease in people by improving the plasma lipid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McQueen
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Donald Molina
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ivan Pinos
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Samuel Krug
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna J Taylor
- Carver Metabolomics Core, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Michael R LaFrano
- Carver Metabolomics Core, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaume Amengual
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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12
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Kanuri B, Biswas P, Dahdah A, Murphy AJ, Nagareddy PR. Impact of age and sex on myelopoiesis and inflammation during myocardial infarction. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 187:80-89. [PMID: 38163742 PMCID: PMC10922716 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Of all the different risk factors known to cause cardiovascular disease (CVD), age and sex are considered to play a crucial role. Aging follows a continuum from birth to death, and therefore it inevitably acts as a risk for CVD. Along with age, sex differences have also been shown to demonstrate variations in immune system responses to pathological insults. It has been widely perceived that females are protected against myocardial infarction (MI) and the protection is quite apparent in young vs. old women. Acute MI leads to changes in the population of myeloid and lymphoid cells at the injury site with myeloid bias being observed in the initial inflammation and the lymphoid in the late-resolution phases of the pathology. Multiple evidence demonstrates that aging enhances damage to various cellular processes through inflamm-aging, an inflammatory process identified to increase pro-inflammatory markers in circulation and tissues. Following MI, marked changes were observed in different sub-sets of major myeloid cell types viz., neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. There is a paucity of information regarding the tissue and site-specific functions of these sub-sets. In this review, we highlight the importance of age and sex as crucial risk factors by discussing their role during MI-induced myelopoiesis while emphasizing the current status of myeloid cell sub-sets. We further put forth the need for designing and executing age and sex interaction studies aimed to determine the appropriate age and sex to develop personalized therapeutic strategies post-MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babunageswararao Kanuri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Priosmita Biswas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Albert Dahdah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Division of Immunometabolism, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Prabhakara R Nagareddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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13
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Ahmad T, Robinson L, Uleryk E, Yu C. Trans health training objectives: A scoping review. CLINICAL TEACHER 2024; 21:e13673. [PMID: 37806669 DOI: 10.1111/tct.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender individuals are discriminated against in health care environments and consistently experience poorer health outcomes than their cisgender counterparts. Enhancing physician training in transgender-specific health is critical to closing the transgender health gap. METHODS We conducted a scoping review to identify transgender health training objectives in Internal Medicine and Internal Medicine Subspecialty residency programmes in Canada and the United States. A systematic search was conducted from 1946 to 15 February 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were written in English, included transgender training objectives, and were aimed at resident physicians in Internal Medicine or Internal Medicine Subspecialty training programmes in Canada or the United States. FINDINGS We found 4048 papers, of which 11 were included for analysis. Transgender health training objectives were synthesised into five themes, including (1) terminology, physiology, and gender presentation, (2) gender-affirming care and communication, (3) hormonal and surgical management, (4) routine health management and maintenance, and (5) equity, diversity, and inclusion in clinical care. The majority of objectives pertained to equity, diversity, and inclusion in clinical care, namely, respectful communication and non-judgemental care of transgender patients. DISCUSSION Our findings provide a comprehensive overview of published transgender health objectives in Canada and the United States and highlight existing gaps in postgraduate medical education for Internal Medicine and Subspecialty programmes. CONCLUSIONS We argue a need for standardisation of transgender-related residency training and suggest that postgraduate Internal Medicine programmes can utilise this review as a framework to begin enhancing transgender health education for their residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehmina Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilian Robinson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Uleryk
- Medical Information Sciences, E.M. Consulting, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Yu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Iwamoto SJ, Rothman MS, T’Sjoen G, Defreyne J. Approach to the Patient: Hormonal Therapy in Transgender Adults With Complex Medical Histories. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:592-602. [PMID: 37683089 PMCID: PMC10795931 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
While endocrinologists continue to initiate gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in healthy transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients, they may also encounter more TGD patients in their clinics with complex medical histories that influence the patient-provider shared decision-making process for initiating or continuing GAHT. The purpose of this Approach to the Patient article is to describe management considerations in 2 adults with thromboembolic disease and 2 adults with low bone mineral density in the setting of feminizing and masculinizing GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Iwamoto
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Endocrinology Service, Medicine Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Micol S Rothman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Guy T’Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Justine Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Robinson L, Matamoros C. Applied patient-level palliative care interventions designed to meet the needs of sexual and gender minorities: A scoping review and qualitative content analysis of how to support sexual and gender minorities at end of life. Palliat Med 2024; 38:69-84. [PMID: 38062858 PMCID: PMC10798012 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231214123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minorities experience considerable health disparities across the life span. End of life presents unique challenges for this population, further exacerbating existing disparities. AIM We aimed to identify applied patient-level palliative care interventions for sexual and gender minorities and describe how said interventions met the needs of these populations at end of life. DESIGN We conducted a scoping review in keeping with the updated Arksey and O'Malley Framework. All included reports were analyzed qualitatively to describe the intervention and summarize thematically how it met the needs of sexual and gender minorities at end of life. DATA SOURCES We conducted searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL from 1946 to June 10, 2023. Reports were eligible for inclusion if they described a palliative care intervention delivered to sexual and gender minorities, and if the palliative care intervention responded to at least one specific need of the sexual and gender minority population(s) in question. RESULTS We included and summarized 27 reports. We identified three overarching themes describing how palliative care interventions responded to the needs of sexual and gender minorities at end of life. CONCLUSIONS This review responds to a need to improve palliative care delivery for sexual and gender minorities. Recommendations derived from these interventions, including how to center and advocate for sexual and gender minorities at end of life, can be applied by any interdisciplinary palliative care provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Robinson
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Scarborough Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cam Matamoros
- Scarborough Health Network, Scarborough Center for Healthy Communities, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Moudgal R, Peritz DC, Turco J, Taub C. Cardiac Mechanics in Altered Hormonal States as a Surrogate for Understanding the Effects of Transgender Hormone Therapy. Cardiol Rev 2024; 32:75-82. [PMID: 35950948 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Transgender individuals are increasingly seeking the care of physicians to physically transition to their self-identified gender identity. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) has significant endocrine effects which may have cardiovascular consequences, and cardiovascular disease in transgender individuals is a growing area of study. The effects of GAHT on cardiac mechanics have yet to be characterized, but there is existing literature regarding changes to cardiac mechanics in similar altered hormonal states. We reviewed this literature, with a focus on echocardiographic findings. We found variable results between studies of different methodologies. These include findings that supraphysiological levels of testosterone may impair cardiac mechanics, whereas estrogen-containing hormonal replacement therapy may improve diastolic echocardiographic parameters. In summary, there are alterations to echocardiographic parameters in altered endocrine states related to exogenous testosterone and estrogen, in a manner that is likely dose-dependent. Encouragingly, the studies we reviewed did not suggest that hormonal changes within physiologic ranges would detrimentally affect echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic function. Future research into the cardiovascular effects of long-term GAHT is warranted to safely guide the longitudinal treatment of transgender individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohitha Moudgal
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - David C Peritz
- Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - John Turco
- Department of Endocrinology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Cynthia Taub
- Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
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17
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Paidisetty P, Sathyanarayanan S, Kuan-Pei Wang L, Slaughter K, Freet D, Greives M, Chen W. Assessing the Readability of Online Patient Education Resources Related to Neophallus Reconstruction. J Surg Res 2023; 291:296-302. [PMID: 37506428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Online patient education materials (PEMs) often exceed the recommended 6th grade reading level. This can negatively affect transmasculine patients' understanding of treatment plans, increasing barriers to care and worsening health outcomes and patient satisfaction. This study assessed the readability of online English and Spanish PEMs regarding phalloplasty and urethroplasty. METHODS The English and Spanish terms for phalloplasty and urethroplasty were queried on Google. The first fifty results were grouped into institutional (government, medical school, teaching hospital), noninstitutional (private practice, news channel, blog, etc.), and academic (journal articles, book chapters) categories. Readability scores were generated using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook and Spanish Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scales. RESULTS All PEMs exceeded recommended reading levels. For both procedures, English PEMs had an average reading level approximately of a university sophomore and Spanish PEMs had an average reading level approximately of a high school junior. For both procedures, English PEMs were harder to read than Spanish PEMs overall (P < 0.001) and when compared across the three categories between the two languages (P < 0.001). For Spanish urethroplasty PEMs, noninstitutional PEMs were more difficult to read than institutional PEMs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Online information for phalloplasty and urethroplasty should be revised and/or standardized materials should be created by trans-affirming health-care providers and national organizations in order to more fully educate the public and prospective patients prior to intervention. A well-informed patient population will improve patient decision-making and surgeon-patient communication, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang
- John Sealy School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Kristen Slaughter
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UTHealth, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel Freet
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UTHealth, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew Greives
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UTHealth, Houston, Texas
| | - Wendy Chen
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UTHealth, Houston, Texas.
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18
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Saffar Soflaei S, Ebrahimi M, Rahimi HR, Moodi Ghalibaf A, Jafari M, Alimi H, Talkhi N, Shahri B, Heidari‐Bakavoli A, Malakouti F, Velayati M, Assaran‐Darban R, Abedsaeidi M, Azarian F, Latifi M, Mohammad Taghizadeh Sarabi MR, Ferns GA, Esmaily H, Moohebati M, Ghayour‐Mobarhan M. A large population-based study on the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities: A result of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2023; 28:e13086. [PMID: 37661345 PMCID: PMC10646386 DOI: 10.1111/anec.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common and inexpensive tool for the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected cardiovascular disease, both in clinical and epidemiological settings. The present study was designed to evaluate ECG abnormalities in Mashhad population. METHODS ECGs were taken as part of MASHAD cohort study (phase1) and were coded according to the Minnesota coding criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS Total 9035 ECGs were available for final analysis including 3615 (40.0%) male and 5420 (60.0%) female. Among ECG abnormalities precordial Q wave, major T-wave abnormalities, inferior Q wave, sinus bradycardia, and left axis deviation were the most prevalent abnormalities. The frequency of precordial and inferior Q wave, inferior QS pattern, major and minor ST abnormalities, major and minor T abnormalities, Wolff-Parkinson-White and Brugada pattern, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, left axis deviation, ST elevation, and tall T wave were significantly different between two genders. Moreover, the frequency of Q wave in precordial and aVL leads, QS pattern in precordial and inferior leads, major and minor T-wave abnormalities, Wolff-Parkinson-White, atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, left axis deviation, and ST elevation were significantly different in different age groups. A comparison of the heart rate, P-wave duration, and QRS duration between men and women indicated that there was a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS Our finding indicated that the prevalence ECG abnormalities are different between men and women and also it varied in different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Saffar Soflaei
- International UNESCO Center for Health‐Related Basic Sciences and Human NutritionMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Mahmoud Ebrahimi
- Vascular and Endovascular Research Center, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Hamid Reza Rahimi
- International UNESCO Center for Health‐Related Basic Sciences and Human NutritionMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Applied Biomedical Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - AmirAli Moodi Ghalibaf
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of MedicineBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
| | - Maryam Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Anzali International Medical CampusGuilan University of Medical SciencesGuilanIran
| | - Hedieh Alimi
- Vascular and Endovascular Research Center, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Nasrin Talkhi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of HealthMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Bahram Shahri
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Alireza Heidari‐Bakavoli
- Vascular and Endovascular Research Center, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Fatemeh Malakouti
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Mahla Velayati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | | | - Malihehsadat Abedsaeidi
- International UNESCO Center for Health‐Related Basic Sciences and Human NutritionMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Farnoosh Azarian
- International UNESCO Center for Health‐Related Basic Sciences and Human NutritionMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | | | | | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Division of Medical EducationBrighton and Sussex Medical SchoolBrightonUK
| | - Habibollah Esmaily
- Department of Biostatistics, School of HealthMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Social Determinants of Health Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Mohsen Moohebati
- Vascular and Endovascular Research Center, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Majid Ghayour‐Mobarhan
- International UNESCO Center for Health‐Related Basic Sciences and Human NutritionMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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19
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Martinez CA, Rikhi R, Fonseca Nogueira N, Pester MS, Salazar AS, Ashinne B, Aguilar N, Melara A, Porras V, Parker M, Mendez A, Cyrus E, De Santis JP, Jones DL, Brown TT, Hurwitz BE, Alcaide ML. Estrogen-Based Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Transgender Women with HIV. LGBT Health 2023; 10:576-585. [PMID: 37459150 PMCID: PMC10712365 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Transgender women (TW) are disproportionately affected by HIV infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study evaluated whether estrogen-based gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in TW with HIV (TWH-GAHT) is associated with indices of subclinical CVD. Methods: Of the 40 HIV-seropositive persons enrolled, 20-60 years of age, on antiretroviral treatment with undetectable viral load, assessments were performed on 15 TWH; of these persons, 11 were GAHT treated. These TWH-GAHT were matched with HIV+ cisgender men and women based on age, ethnicity/race, body mass index, and antihypertensive medication use. Sex hormones, and cardiometabolic (waist circumference, blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein), vascular (flow-mediated dilation [FMD] and arterial stiffness), and proinflammatory measures were obtained. Results: TWH-GAHT displayed elevated estradiol and suppressed testosterone levels relative to normative ranges. Analyses indicated the TWH-GAHT displayed lower low-density lipoprotein compared with cisgender groups (p < 0.05). Although no difference was seen on FMD, the central augmentation index of aortic stiffness was higher in cisgender HIV+ women than cisgender HIV+ men (p < 0.05). No other group difference on subclinical CVD markers was observed. For TWH, partial correlations indicated associations of certain sex hormones with selected cardiometabolic outcomes and the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-8. Conclusion: When well matched to HIV+ cisgender men and women, subclinical CVD pathophysiology did not appear elevated in TWH-GAHT, although tendencies emerged suggesting that some subclinical CVD indices may be higher, but others lower than cisgender groups. Longitudinal studies of TWH are needed to more precisely evaluate the moderating effect of GAHT on cardiometabolic pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A. Martinez
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rishi Rikhi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas Fonseca Nogueira
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mollie S. Pester
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Ana S. Salazar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Beteal Ashinne
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natalie Aguilar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Abraham Melara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Valeria Porras
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Meela Parker
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Armando Mendez
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Elena Cyrus
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Joseph P. De Santis
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deborah L. Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Todd T. Brown
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Barry E. Hurwitz
- Behavioral Medicine Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami/Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Maria L. Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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20
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Veale JF. Transgender-related stigma and gender minority stress-related health disparities in Aotearoa New Zealand: hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, and general health. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 39:100816. [PMID: 37927998 PMCID: PMC10624989 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Research has found that transgender-related enacted stigma-including discrimination, harassment, violence, cyberbullying, community rejection, and conversion efforts-is associated with negative mental health among transgender people. Transgender people also experience physical health disparities that could be due to chronic gender minority stress caused by stigma and prejudice. Methods We compared a large New Zealand national survey of transgender participants with the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) with age and ethnicity weightings on stress-related health conditions and indicators. We conducted multivariate logistic regression to test associations between transgender-related enacted stigma and physical health conditions and indicators, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, gender affirming hormone use, and alcohol and tobacco use. Findings Transgender participants had a greater likelihood of ever having hypertension (63%, 95% CI 41%-89%), a myocardial infarction (98%, 6%-271%), a stroke (104%, 2%-311%), hypercholesteremia 148% (114%-188%), and current poor or fair general health (128%, 107%-151%). There were no significant differences for diabetes. Compared with those scoring at the 10th percentile on transgender-related enacted stigma, those at the 90th percentile were more likely to have had hypertension (81%, 36%-140%), hypercholesteremia (54%, 20%-98), and poor/fair health (75%, 45%-110%). Interpretation We found large disparities for stress-related physical health conditions and indicators, and transgender people who experienced higher transgender-related enacted stigma had a significantly increased prevalence of these negative outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for health professionals to consider gender minority stress and for interventions and policy/law reforms to address transgender-related stigma. Funding The Health Research Council of New Zealand and Rule Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie F Veale
- Trans Health Research Lab, Te Kura Whatu Oho Mauri/School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Aotearoa/New Zealand
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21
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Petek BJ, Chung EH, Kim JH, Lampert R, Levine BD, Phelan D, Danielian A, Dean PN, Dineen EH, Fernandez AB, Husaini M, Krishnan S, Shah AB, Stewart KM, Wasfy MM. Impact of Sex on Cardiovascular Adaptations to Exercise: JACC Review Topic of the Week. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 82:1030-1038. [PMID: 37648352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Routine exercise leads to cardiovascular adaptations that differ based on sex. Use of cardiac testing to screen athletes has driven research to define how these sex-based adaptations manifest on the electrocardiogram and cardiac imaging. Importantly, sex-based differences in cardiovascular structure and outcomes in athletes often parallel findings in the general population, underscoring the importance of understanding their mechanisms. Substantial gaps exist in the understanding of why cardiovascular adaptations and outcomes related to exercise differ by sex because of underrepresentation of female participants in research. As female sports participation rates have increased dramatically over several decades, it also remains unknown if differences observed in older athletes reflect biological mechanisms vs less lifetime access to sports in females. In this review, we will assess the effect of sex on cardiovascular adaptations and outcomes related to exercise, identify the impact of sex hormones on exercise performance, and highlight key areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Petek
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eugene H Chung
- Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jonathan H Kim
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Lampert
- Section of Cardiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Dermot Phelan
- Sports & Performance Cardiology Center, Atrium Health, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alfred Danielian
- Division of Sports Cardiology, Las Vegas Heart Associates, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Peter N Dean
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Dineen
- Division of Cardiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Antonio B Fernandez
- Hartford Healthcare Heart and Vascular Institute, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mustafa Husaini
- Division of Cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sheela Krishnan
- Sports Cardiology & Fitness Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ankit B Shah
- Sports & Performance Cardiology LLC, Chevy Chase, Maryland; Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington DC
| | - Katie M Stewart
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meagan M Wasfy
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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22
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Vena W, Paschou SA. Cardiovascular health in gender dysphoric adults. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:357-358. [PMID: 37138181 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Vena
- Diabetes Center, Humanitas Gavazzeni Institute, Via M. Gavazzeni 21, 24100, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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23
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Oktaba M, Briggs P, Reed T. Trials of the 'tranopause'. Post Reprod Health 2023; 29:178-182. [PMID: 37632166 DOI: 10.1177/20533691231198635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Oktaba
- Consultant Gynaecologist, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paula Briggs
- Consultant in Sexual & Reproductive Health, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas Reed
- Final Year Medical Student, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Shawky NM, Reckelhoff JF, Alexander BT, Cardozo LLY. Insights Into the Cardiomodulatory Effects of Sex Hormones: Implications in Transgender Care. Hypertension 2023; 80:1810-1820. [PMID: 37462057 PMCID: PMC10530189 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.19501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Transgender individuals that undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy may experience discrimination in the health care setting with a lack of access to medical personnel competent in transgender medicine. Recent evidence suggests that gender-affirming hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors. A recent statement from the American Heart Association reinforces the importance of cardiovascular-focused clinical management and the necessity for more research into the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy. With this in mind, this review will highlight the known cardiovascular risk factors associated with gender-affirming hormone therapy and identify potential molecular mechanisms determined from the limited animal studies that explore the role of cross-sex steroids on cardiovascular risk. The lack of data in this understudied population requires future clinical and basic research studies to inform and educate clinicians and their transgender patient population to promote precision medicine for their care to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M. Shawky
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Women’s Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Jane F. Reckelhoff
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Women’s Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Barbara T. Alexander
- Department of Physiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Women’s Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Licy L. Yanes Cardozo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Department of Physiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Women’s Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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Roy MK, Wilkerson RB, Alexander K, Nokoff NJ, Cree-Green M, D’Alessandro A. Longitudinal metabolic study of red blood cells from patients undergoing gender-affirming testosterone therapy. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4269-4277. [PMID: 36001490 PMCID: PMC10424140 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Kalani Roy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Rebecca Burgoyne Wilkerson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Keisha Alexander
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Natalie J. Nokoff
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Melanie Cree-Green
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Graduate School, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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Irwig MS. Hypertension in transgender individuals. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:689-693. [PMID: 35831512 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-022-00721-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although there has been a dramatic increase in visibility and recognition of transgender and gender-diverse populations, remarkably little has been published on prevalence rates of hypertension within these populations. In addition to summarizing the limited data on prevalence rates, this review compares the prevalence rates with those of cisgender populations and explores whether gender-affirming hormone therapy affects blood pressure and hypertension rates. The studies show that hypertension affects a significant proportion of transgender and gender-diverse people and support the practice of routinely monitoring blood pressure in transgender and gender-diverse people, especially after the initiation of gender-affirming hormone therapy. The two largest studies both found that estrogen plus an antiandrogen was associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure and that testosterone was associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Irwig
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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27
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Tran NK, Lunn MR, Schulkey CE, Tesfaye S, Nambiar S, Chatterjee S, Kozlowski D, Lozano P, Randal FT, Mo Y, Qi S, Hundertmark E, Eastburn C, Pho AT, Dastur Z, Lubensky ME, Flentje A, Obedin-Maliver J. Prevalence of 12 Common Health Conditions in Sexual and Gender Minority Participants in the All of Us Research Program. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2324969. [PMID: 37523187 PMCID: PMC10391317 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.24969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Limited data describe the health status of sexual or gender minority (SGM) people due to inaccurate and inconsistent ascertainment of gender identity, sex assigned at birth, and sexual orientation. Objective To evaluate whether the prevalence of 12 health conditions is higher among SGM adults in the All of Us Research Program data compared with cisgender heterosexual (non-SGM) people. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from a multidisciplinary research consortium, the All of Us Research Program, that links participant-reported survey information to electronic health records (EHR) and physical measurements. In total, 372 082 US adults recruited and enrolled at an All of Us health care provider organization or by directly visiting the enrollment website from May 31, 2017, to January 1, 2022, and were assessed for study eligibility. Exposures Self-identified gender identity and sexual orientation group. Main Outcomes and Measures Twelve health conditions were evaluated: 11 using EHR data and 1, body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), using participants' physical measurements. Logistic regression (adjusting for age, income, and employment, enrollment year, and US Census division) was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for the associations between each SGM group and health condition compared with a non-SGM reference group. Results The analytic sample included 346 868 participants (median [IQR] age, 55 [39-68] years; 30 763 [8.9%] self-identified as SGM). Among participants with available BMI (80.2%) and EHR data (69.4%), SGM groups had higher odds of anxiety, depression, HIV diagnosis, and tobacco use disorder but lower odds of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Estimated associations for asthma (AOR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.24-0.63] for gender diverse people assigned male at birth; AOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.38-0.69] for transgender women), a BMI of 25 or higher (AOR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.38-1.96] for transgender men), cancer (AOR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07-1.23] for cisgender sexual minority men; AOR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81-0.95] for cisgender sexual minority women), and substance use disorder (AOR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.24-0.52] for gender diverse people assigned female at birth; AOR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.49-0.87] for transgender men) varied substantially across SGM groups compared with non-SGM groups. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional analysis of data from the All of Us Research Program, SGM participants experienced health inequities that varied by group and condition. The All of Us Research Program can be a valuable resource for conducting health research focused on SGM people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen K Tran
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Mitchell R Lunn
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Claire E Schulkey
- All of Us Research Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | - Paula Lozano
- Center for Asian Health Equity, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Asian Health Coalition, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Fornessa T Randal
- Center for Asian Health Equity, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Asian Health Coalition, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yicklun Mo
- Center for Asian Health Equity, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Asian Health Coalition, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Siya Qi
- Center for Asian Health Equity, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Asian Health Coalition, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ell Hundertmark
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Division of Gynecology and Gynecologic Specialties, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Chloe Eastburn
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anthony T Pho
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Zubin Dastur
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Division of Gynecology and Gynecologic Specialties, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Micah E Lubensky
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Annesa Flentje
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Departments of Medicine and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Division of Gynecology and Gynecologic Specialties, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Luntz A, Creary K, Bruessow D. Managing patients with sex-, race-, or ethnicity-based cardiovascular health inequities. JAAPA 2023; 36:16-24. [PMID: 37306606 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000937264.73482.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cardiovascular health inequities are experienced among cisgender women, gender minorities, Black and Indigenous people, and people with lower socioeconomic status. Early identification and treatment of patients at risk for disparate and adverse cardiac health outcomes are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Luntz
- Allison Luntz is a PA surgical resident at Norwalk Hospital/Yale Physician Assistant Surgical Residency in Norwalk, Conn. Kashif Creary is assistant director of PA services at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in New York City, N.Y. Diane Bruessow is director of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Yale PA Online Program and assistant professor adjunct in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., and a clinically practicing PA in transgender medicine. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Kim HH, Goetz TG, Grieve V, Keuroghlian AS. Psychopharmacological Considerations for Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2023; 31:183-194. [PMID: 37437250 PMCID: PMC10348476 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The field of transgender health has grown exponentially since the early 2010s. While this increased visibility has not been without controversy, there is growing acknowledgement of the needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive (TNG) patients and the health disparities they experience compared to the cisgender population. There is also increased interest among clinicians and trainees in providing gender-affirming care in all medical specialties. This is particularly relevant in psychiatry as mental health disparities in TNG patients have been well-documented. TNG patients experience significant minority stress and higher rates of psychiatric illness, self-harm, suicidality, and psychiatric hospitalization compared to their cisgender peers. In this review, we will cover potential interactions and side effects relevant to psychiatric medication management for the three most common medication classes prescribed as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT): gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor agonists, estradiol, and testosterone. Although no studies directly examining the efficacy of psychiatric medications or their interactions with GAHT for TNG patients have been published yet, we have synthesized the existing literature from both cisgender and TNG patients to shed light on health care disparities seen in TNG patients. Since clinicians' lack of comfort and familiarity with gender-affirming care contributes significantly to these disparities, we hope this narrative review will help psychiatric prescribers provide TNG patients with the same quality of care that cisgender patients receive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Hee Kim
- From Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Drs. Kim and Keuroghlian); University of Pennsylvania Department of Psychiatry (Dr. Goetz); University of Pittsburgh Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics (Dr. Grieve)
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30
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Moreland E, Cheung AS, Hiam D, Nolan BJ, Landen S, Jacques M, Eynon N, Jones P. Implications of gender-affirming endocrine care for sports participation. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2023; 14:20420188231178373. [PMID: 37323162 PMCID: PMC10262668 DOI: 10.1177/20420188231178373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Many transgender (trans) individuals utilize gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to promote changes in secondary sex characteristics to affirm their gender. Participation rates of trans people in sport are exceedingly low, yet given high rates of depression and increased cardiovascular risk, the potential benefits of sports participation are great. In this review, we provide an overview of the evidence surrounding the effects of GAHT on multiple performance-related phenotypes, as well as current limitations. Whilst data is clear that there are differences between males and females, there is a lack of quality evidence assessing the impact of GAHT on athletic performance. Twelve months of GAHT leads to testosterone concentrations that align with reference ranges of the affirmed gender. Feminizing GAHT in trans women increases fat mass and decreases lean mass, with opposite effects observed in trans men with masculinizing GAHT. In trans men, an increase in muscle strength and athletic performance is observed. In trans women, muscle strength is shown to decrease or not change following 12 months of GAHT. Haemoglobin, a measure of oxygen transport, changes to that of the affirmed gender within 6 months of GAHT, with very limited data to suggest possible reductions in maximal oxygen uptake as a result of feminizing GAHT. Current limitations of this field include a lack of long-term studies, adequate group comparisons and adjustment for confounding factors (e.g. height and lean body mass), and small sample sizes. There also remains limited data on endurance, cardiac or respiratory function, with further longitudinal studies on GAHT needed to address current limitations and provide more robust data to inform inclusive and fair sporting programmes, policies and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Moreland
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Ada S. Cheung
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendan J. Nolan
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrice Jones
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Ballarat Road, Footscray, VIC 3011, Australia
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Pribish AM, Iwamoto SJ. Cardiovascular disease and feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy: Implications for the provision of safe and lifesaving care. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 33:100650. [PMID: 36968433 PMCID: PMC10035588 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2023.100650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Sex recorded at birth, gender identity, and feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy (fGAHT) likely contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in transgender women. Understanding the interplay of these factors is necessary for the provision of safe, affirming, and lifesaving care. Among transgender women taking fGAHT, data show increases in CVD mortality and rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thromboembolism compared to reference populations, depending on study design and comparators. However, most studies are observational with a paucity of contextualizing information (e.g., dosing, route of administration, gonadectomy status), which makes it difficult to parse adverse fGAHT effects from confounders and interaction with known CVD risk factors (e.g., obesity, smoking, psychosocial and gender minority stressors). Increased CVD risk in transgender women points toward a need for greater attention to CVD management in this population including cardiology referral when indicated and additional research on the mechanisms and mediators of CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby M. Pribish
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East 17 Avenue, B130, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sean J. Iwamoto
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 East 17 Avenue, Mail Stop: 8106, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Endocrinology Service, Medicine Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, 1700 North Wheeling Street, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program, 1635 Aurora Court, Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion, 6 Floor (Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Cheung AS, Nolan BJ, Zwickl S. Transgender health and the impact of aging and menopause. Climacteric 2023; 26:256-262. [PMID: 37011669 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2176217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is used by many transgender people to reduce gender incongruence and improve psychological functioning. As GAHT shares many similarities with menopausal hormone therapy, clinicians supporting people through menopause are ideally placed to manage GAHT. This narrative review provides an overview of transgender health and discusses long-term effects of GAHT to consider when managing transgender individuals across the lifespan. Menopause is less relevant for transgender individuals who take GAHT (often given lifelong) to achieve sex steroid concentrations generally in the range of the affirmed gender. For people using feminizing hormone therapy, there is an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke and osteoporosis relative to cisgender individuals. For trans people using masculinizing hormone therapy, there is an increased risk of polycythemia, probable higher risk of myocardial infarction and pelvic pain which is poorly understood. Proactive mitigation of cardiovascular risk factors is important for all transgender people and optimization of bone health is important for those using feminizing hormones. With a lack of research to guide GAHT in older age, a shared decision-making approach is recommended for the provision of GAHT to achieve individual goals whilst minimizing potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Cheung
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - B J Nolan
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - S Zwickl
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Regitz-Zagrosek V, Gebhard C. Gender medicine: effects of sex and gender on cardiovascular disease manifestation and outcomes. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:236-247. [PMID: 36316574 PMCID: PMC9628527 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Despite a growing body of evidence, the distinct contributions of biological sex and the sociocultural dimension of gender to the manifestations and outcomes of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure remain unknown. The intertwining of sex-based differences in genetic and hormonal mechanisms with the complex dimension of gender and its different components and determinants that result in different disease phenotypes in women and men needs to be elucidated. The relative contribution of purely biological factors, such as genes and hormones, to cardiovascular phenotypes and outcomes is not yet fully understood. Increasing awareness of the effects of gender has led to efforts to measure gender in retrospective and prospective clinical studies and the development of gender scores. However, the synergistic or opposing effects of sex and gender on cardiovascular traits and on ischaemic heart disease and heart failure mechanisms have not yet been systematically described. Furthermore, specific considerations of sex-related and gender-related factors in gender dysphoria or in heart-brain interactions and their association with cardiovascular disease are still lacking. In this Review, we summarize contemporary evidence on the distinct effects of sex and gender as well as of their interactions on cardiovascular disease and how they favourably or unfavourably influence the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment responses in patients with ischaemic heart disease or heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Institute for Gender in Medicine, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Catherine Gebhard
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Blood pressure changes with gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender people. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:792-793. [PMID: 36635526 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-01162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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35
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Sirufo MM, Magnanimi LM, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. Overcoming LGBTQI+ Disparities in Cardio-Oncology. JACC: CARDIOONCOLOGY 2023; 5:267-270. [PMID: 37144105 PMCID: PMC10152199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Technical Group for the Coordination of Gender Medicine, AUSL 04 Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Lina Maria Magnanimi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Technical Group for the Coordination of Gender Medicine, Regione Abruzzo, Italy
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Technical Group for the Coordination of Gender Medicine, Regione Abruzzo, Italy
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Address for correspondence: Dr Massimo De Martinis, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi n. 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy.
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Voss RV, Kuhns LM, Phillips G, Wang X, Wolf SF, Garofalo R, Reisner S, Beach LB. Physical Inactivity and the Role of Bullying Among Gender Minority Youth Participating in the 2017 and 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:197-206. [PMID: 36369113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence from small-scale studies suggests that transgender youth are less physically active than nontransgender youth, putting them at risk for worse health outcomes. This study examined the relationship between gender modality and participation in physical activity, physical education (PE), and sports teams in a multistate sample of high school youth and assessed whether bullying impacted this relationship. METHODS Multiple regression was used to analyze data from the state and local Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2017 to 2019 to examine the relationship between the gender modality and participation in physical activity, PE, and sports teams. The sample was stratified by sex and adjusted for demographics and in-school and online bullying victimization. RESULTS Transgender participants who reported a male or female sex, respectively, reported lower odds of physical activity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.46, p < .001; aOR 0.46, p < .001, respectively) but similar odds of PE participation. Female transgender students were less likely to participate in sports (aOR 0.55, p = .007); however, this relationship was not seen in adjusted models. Adjusting for demographics, male transgender students were significantly more likely to participate in sports (aOR 2.1, p = .002). Adjusting for bullying experiences did not significantly change these results. DISCUSSION Transgender youth are less likely to participate in physical activity but participate similarly or more than cisgender peers in PE and sports. Factors other than bullying may limit physical activity among transgender youth, and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey may not capture experiences of trans-specific victimization. Increased inclusion and safety may help increase physical activity and amplify its benefits for transgender students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina V Voss
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Xinzi Wang
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sigrid F Wolf
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sari Reisner
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren B Beach
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
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Defreyne J, Vander Stichele C, Iwamoto SJ, T'Sjoen G. Gender-affirming hormonal therapy for transgender and gender-diverse people-A narrative review. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102296. [PMID: 36596713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As the number of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people accessing gender-affirming care increases, the need for healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT) also increases. This chapter provides an overview of the HCPs interested in getting involved in providing GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Clara Vander Stichele
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sean J Iwamoto
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - G T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Jackson SS, Brown J, Pfeiffer RM, Shrewsbury D, O’Callaghan S, Berner AM, Gadalla SM, Shiels MS. Analysis of Mortality Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in England. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2253687. [PMID: 36716027 PMCID: PMC9887492 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.53687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Limited prior research suggests that transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people may have higher mortality rates than cisgender people. OBJECTIVE To estimate overall and cause-specific mortality among TGD persons compared with cisgender persons. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study used data from general practices in England contributing to the UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and Aurum databases. Transfeminine (assigned male at birth) and transmasculine (assigned female at birth) individuals were identified using diagnosis codes for gender incongruence, between 1988 and 2019, and were matched to cisgender men and women according to birth year, practice, and practice registration date and linked to the Office of National Statistics death registration. Data analysis was performed from February to June 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cause-specific mortality counts were calculated for categories of disease as defined by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision chapters. Overall and cause-specific mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were estimated using Poisson models, adjusted for index age, index year, race and ethnicity, Index of Multiple Deprivation, smoking status, alcohol use, and body mass index. RESULTS A total of 1951 transfeminine (mean [SE] age, 36.90 [0.34] years; 1801 White [92.3%]) and 1364 transmasculine (mean [SE] age, 29.20 [0.36] years; 1235 White [90.4%]) individuals were matched with 68 165 cisgender men (mean [SE] age, 33.60 [0.05] years; 59 136 White [86.8%]) and 68 004 cisgender women (mean [SE] age, 33.50 [0.05] years; 57 762 White [84.9%]). The mortality rate was 528.11 deaths per 100 000 person-years (102 deaths) for transfeminine persons, 325.86 deaths per 100 000 person-years (34 deaths) for transmasculine persons, 315.32 deaths per 100 000 person-years (1951 deaths) for cisgender men, and 260.61 deaths per 100 000 person-years (1608 deaths) for cisgender women. Transfeminine persons had a higher overall mortality risk compared with cisgender men (MRR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06-1.68) and cisgender women (MRR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.27-2.01). For transmasculine persons, the overall MMR was 1.43 (95% CI, 0.87-2.33) compared with cisgender men and was 1.75 (95% CI, 1.08-2.83) compared with cisgender women. Transfeminine individuals had lower cancer mortality than cisgender women (MRR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83) but an increased risk of external causes of death (MRR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.05-3.50). Transmasculine persons had higher mortality from external causes of death than cisgender women (MRR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.15-6.65). Compared with cisgender men, neither transfeminine nor transmasculine adults had a significantly increased risk of deaths due to external causes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of primary care data, TGD persons had elevated mortality rates compared with cisgender persons, particularly for deaths due to external causes. Further research is needed to examine how minority stress may be contributing to deaths among TGD individuals to reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Jackson
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jalen Brown
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Ruth M. Pfeiffer
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Duncan Shrewsbury
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alison M. Berner
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Gender Identity Clinic, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shahinaz M. Gadalla
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Meredith S. Shiels
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
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Majumder A, Chatterjee S, Maji D, Ghosh S, Selvan C, George B, Kalra P, Chandrasekaran S, Priya G, Sukumar S, Sanyal D, Roychaudhuri S. IDEA Group Consensus Statement on Medical Management of Adult Gender Incongruent Individuals Seeking Gender Affirmation as Male. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2023; 27:3-16. [PMID: 37215272 PMCID: PMC10198197 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_410_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is the most frequent treatment offered to gender-incongruent individuals, which reduces dysphoria. The goal of therapy among gender-incongruent individuals seeking gender affirmation as male is to change their secondary sex characteristics to affect masculine physical appearances. GAHT greatly improves mental health and quality of life among gender incongruent individuals. India-specific guideline for appropriate care for gender-incongruent individuals is almost absent. This document is intended to assist endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals interested in gender incongruity for individuals seeking gender affirmation as male. A safe and effective GAHT regimen aims to effect masculinising physical features without adverse effects. In this document, we offer suggestions based on an in-depth review of national and international guidelines, recently available evidence and collegial meetings with expert Indian clinicians working in this field. Clinicians represented in our expert panel have developed expertise due to the volume of gender incongruent individuals they manage. This consensus statement provides protocols for the hormone prescribing physicians relating to diagnosis, baseline evaluation and counselling, prescription planning for masculinising hormone therapy, choice of therapy, targets for monitoring masculinising hormone therapy, clinical and biochemical monitoring, recommending sex affirmation surgery and peri-operative hormone therapy. The recommendations made in this document are not rigid guidelines, and the hormone-prescribing physicians are encouraged to modify the suggested protocol to address emerging issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Majumder
- Department of Endocrinology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sudip Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Vivekanada Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Debasis Maji
- Department of Medicine, Vivekanada Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chitra Selvan
- Department of Endocrinology, MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Belinda George
- Department of Endocrinology, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Pramila Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shruti Chandrasekaran
- Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Dr. Rela Institute of Medical Center, (RIMC), Chrompet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gagan Priya
- Consultant Endocrinologist, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Suja Sukumar
- Consultant Endocrinologist, Renai Medicity, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Debmalya Sanyal
- Department of Endocrinology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Leemaqz SY, Kyinn M, Banks K, Sarkodie E, Goldstein D, Irwig MS. Lipid profiles and hypertriglyceridemia among transgender and gender diverse adults on gender-affirming hormone therapy. J Clin Lipidol 2023; 17:103-111. [PMID: 36473821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on lipid profiles among transgender adults have been inconsistent and incompletely characterized. OBJECTIVE To longitudinally assess changes to lipid profiles following hormone therapy and to establish prevalence rates of hyperlipidemia/low HDL-cholesterol. METHODS This longitudinal study followed lipid profiles of 366 transgender and gender-diverse adult patients (170 transfeminine and 196 transmasculine; mean age, 28 years) in Washington DC USA. Lipid profiles were measured at baseline and at multiple follow-up clinical visits up to 57 months after the initiation of hormone therapy. RESULTS Within 2-10 months of starting gender-affirming hormone therapy, mean levels of HDL-cholesterol decreased by 16% in transmasculine individuals and increased by 11% in transfeminine individuals. Over the study, mean triglyceride levels increased by 26-37% in the transmasculine group. Over the study, the prevalence of moderate hypertriglyceridemia (175-499 mg/dL) ranged from 11 to 32% in the transfeminine group and 6-19% in the transmasculine group. Severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL) was only observed in one individual. On hormone therapy, 24-30% of the transfeminine group had a HDL-cholesterol < 50 mg/dL and 16-24% of the transmasculine group had a HDL-cholesterol < 40 mg/dL. LDL-cholesterol levels ≥160 mg/dL were rare among both groups. CONCLUSIONS In a gender-diverse population on hormone therapy, low HDL-cholesterol and moderate hypertriglyceridemia were relatively common. HDL-cholesterol decreased with testosterone therapy and increased with a combination of oral estrogen and spironolactone. Testosterone use was associated with an increase in triglycerides. Our data support the recommendation to routinely monitor lipid profiles in gender-diverse patients on GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalem Y Leemaqz
- Pregnancy Health and Beyond Laboratory, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia (Dr Leemaqz)
| | - Mabel Kyinn
- The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States(Drs Kyinn, Banks)
| | - Katherine Banks
- The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States(Drs Kyinn, Banks)
| | - Eleanor Sarkodie
- Whitman-Walker Institute, Washington, DC, United States (Ms. Sarkodie)
| | - Deborah Goldstein
- United States Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC, United States (Dr Goldstein)
| | - Michael S Irwig
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, GZ6, Boston, MA 02215, United States (Dr Irwig); Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States (Dr Irwig).
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Iwamoto SJ, Defreyne J, Kaoutzanis C, Davies RD, Moreau KL, Rothman MS. Gender-affirming hormone therapy, mental health, and surgical considerations for aging transgender and gender diverse adults. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2023; 14:20420188231166494. [PMID: 37113210 PMCID: PMC10126651 DOI: 10.1177/20420188231166494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) population ages, more transfeminine and transmasculine individuals present to clinic to initiate or continue their gender-affirming care at older ages. Currently available guidelines on gender-affirming care are excellent resources for the provision of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), primary care, surgery, and mental health care but are limited in their scope as to whether recommendations require tailoring to older TGD adults. Data that inform guideline-recommended management considerations, while informative and increasingly evidence-based, mainly come from studies of younger TGD populations. Whether results from these studies, and therefore recommendations, can or should be extrapolated to aging TGD adults remains to be determined. In this perspective review, we acknowledge the lack of data in older TGD adults and discuss considerations for evaluating cardiovascular disease, hormone-sensitive cancers, bone health and cognitive health, gender-affirming surgery, and mental health in the older TGD population on GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justine Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christodoulos Kaoutzanis
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert D. Davies
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- CUMedicine LGBTQ Mental Health Clinic, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA
- UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kerrie L. Moreau
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Micol S. Rothman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- UCHealth Integrated Transgender Program – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Hughto JMW, Varma H, Babbs G, Yee K, Alpert A, Hughes L, Ellison J, Downing J, Shireman TI. Disparities in health condition diagnoses among aging transgender and cisgender medicare beneficiaries, 2008-2017. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1102348. [PMID: 36992801 PMCID: PMC10040837 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1102348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this research is to provide national estimates of the prevalence of health condition diagnoses among age-entitled transgender and cisgender Medicare beneficiaries. Quantification of the health burden across sex assigned at birth and gender can inform prevention, research, and allocation of funding for modifiable risk factors. METHODS Using 2009-2017 Medicare fee-for-service data, we implemented an algorithm that leverages diagnosis, procedure, and pharmacy claims to identify age-entitled transgender Medicare beneficiaries and stratify the sample by inferred gender: trans feminine and nonbinary (TFN), trans masculine and nonbinary (TMN), and unclassified. We selected a 5% random sample of cisgender individuals for comparison. We descriptively analyzed (means and frequencies) demographic characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, US census region, months of enrollment) and used chi-square and t-tests to determine between- (transgender vs. cisgender) and within-group gender differences (e.g., TMN, TFN, unclassified) difference in demographics (p<0.05). We then used logistic regression to estimate and examine within- and between-group gender differences in the predicted probability of 25 health conditions, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, enrollment length, and census region. RESULTS The analytic sample included 9,975 transgender (TFN n=4,198; TMN n=2,762; unclassified n=3,015) and 2,961,636 cisgender (male n=1,294,690, female n=1,666,946) beneficiaries. The majority of the transgender and cisgender samples were between the ages of 65 and 69 and White, non-Hispanic. The largest proportion of transgender and cisgender beneficiaries were from the South. On average, transgender individuals had more months of enrollment than cisgender individuals. In adjusted models, aging TFN or TMN Medicare beneficiaries had the highest probability of each of the 25 health diagnoses studied relative to cisgender males or females. TFN beneficiaries had the highest burden of health diagnoses relative to all other groups. DISCUSSION These findings document disparities in key health condition diagnoses among transgender Medicare beneficiaries relative to cisgender individuals. Future application of these methods will enable the study of rare and anatomy-specific conditions among hard-to-reach aging transgender populations and inform interventions and policies to address documented disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M. W. Hughto
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jaclyn M. W. Hughto,
| | - Hiren Varma
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Health Services Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Gray Babbs
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Health Services Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kim Yee
- Oregon Health & Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Ash Alpert
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Health Services Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Landon Hughes
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacqueline Ellison
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Innovative Research on Gender Health Equity (CONVERGE), University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jae Downing
- Oregon Health & Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Theresa I. Shireman
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Health Services Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
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Duro T, McClain M, Aragon KG, Casson C, Choi EHE, Bouchonville M, Kapsner P. Risk Assessment and Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals Receiving Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Endocr Pract 2022; 29:229-234. [PMID: 36539065 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and prevalent coronary artery disease (CAD) using Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and compare the CAC scores of TGD individuals with those of the general population. METHODS TGD individuals aged ≥30 years, without known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), other than tobacco use and family history of CVD, on GAHT were recruited, and baseline information, including metabolic parameters, was collected. CAC scores were obtained and compared with those of a cisgender age-matched population. RESULTS Of 25 transwomen recruited, 24 underwent CAC scans. Of them, 2 (8.3%) had a CAC score of >0 to 99 and 1 (4.1%) had a CAC score of ≥100. Of 22 transmen recruited, 16 underwent CAC scans. Of them, 26 (12.5%) had a CAC score of >0 to 99 and none had a CAC score of ≥100. Framingham Risk Scores were not correlated with the presence of CAC. CONCLUSION The presence of CAC in this small cohort of TGD individuals on GAHT was similar to that in the cisgender age-matched population. CAC scoring is a means to assess the prevalence of CAD in TGD individuals and identify those in whom aggressive risk reduction is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor Duro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
| | - Molly McClain
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Christina Casson
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Eun Ho Eunice Choi
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Matthew Bouchonville
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Patricia Kapsner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Sudhakar D, Huang Z, Zietkowski M, Powell N, Fisher AR. Feminizing gender‐affirming hormone therapy for the transgender and gender diverse population: An overview of treatment modality, monitoring, and risks. Neurourol Urodyn 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nau.25097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhong Huang
- Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Maeson Zietkowski
- Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Natasha Powell
- Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Andrew R. Fisher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
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Chowdhury MA, Walsh MN. Cardiac Transplantation for Transgender Patients: It's Time to Implement Changes in Our Health Care Practice. JACC Case Rep 2022; 4:101596. [PMID: 36507299 PMCID: PMC9730157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Norine Walsh
- Ascension St Vincent Heart Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA,Ascension St Vincent Cardiovascular Research Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr Mary Norine Walsh, Ascension St Vincent Heart Center, Ascension St Vincent Cardiovascular Research Institute, 8333 Naab Road, Suite 420, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260, USA. @MinnowWalsh
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Turino Miranda K, Kalenga CZ, Saad N, Dumanski SM, Collister D, Rytz CL, Lorenzetti DL, Chang DH, McClurg C, Sola DY, Ahmed SB. Gender-affirming estrogen therapy route of administration and cardiovascular risk: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H861-H868. [PMID: 36053748 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00299.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transgender women (individuals assigned male sex at birth who identify as women) and nonbinary and gender-diverse individuals receiving gender-affirming estrogen therapy (GAET) are at increased cardiovascular risk. Nonoral (i.e., patch, injectable) compared with oral estrogen exposure in cisgender women (individuals assigned female sex at birth who identify as women) may be associated with lower cardiovascular risk, though whether this applies to transgender women and/or gender-diverse individuals is unknown. We sought to determine the association between the route of estrogen exposure (nonoral compared with oral) and cardiovascular risk in transgender women and gender diverse individuals. Bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO) and supporting relevant literature were searched from inception to January 2022. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting cardiovascular outcomes, such as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, adverse cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals using nonoral compared with oral gender-affirming estrogen therapy were included. The search strategy identified 3,113 studies, 5 of which met inclusion criteria (3 prospective cohort studies, 1 retrospective cohort study, and 1 cross-sectional study; n = 259 participants, range of duration of exposure of 2 to 60 mo). One out of five studies reported on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality or adverse cardiovascular events. All five studies reported lipid levels [low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC)], whereas only two studies reported systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Limited studies have examined the effect of the route of GAET on all-cause cardiovascular mortality, morbidity, and risk factors. In addition, there is significant heterogeneity in studies examining the cardiovascular effects of GAET.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to summarize the potential effect of nonoral versus oral gender-affirming estrogen therapy use on cardiovascular risk factors in transgender women or nonbinary or gender-diverse individuals. Heterogeneity of studies in reporting gender-affirming estrogen therapy formulation, dose, and duration of exposure limits quantification of the effect of gender-affirming estrogen therapy on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, adverse cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular risk factors. This systematic review highlights the needs for large prospective cohort studies with appropriate stratification of gender-affirming estrogen therapy by dose, formulation, administration route, and sufficient follow-up and analyses to limit selection bias to optimize the cardiovascular care of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keila Turino Miranda
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cindy Z Kalenga
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathalie Saad
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra M Dumanski
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Kidney Disease Network, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David Collister
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chantal L Rytz
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Diane L Lorenzetti
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Health Sciences Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Danica H Chang
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caitlin McClurg
- Health Sciences Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darlene Y Sola
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia B Ahmed
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Kidney Disease Network, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Lake JE, Wang R, Barrett BW, Bowman E, Hyatt AN, Debroy P, Candelario J, Teplin L, Bodnar K, McKay H, Plankey M, Brown TT, Funderburg N, Currier JS. Trans women have worse cardiovascular biomarker profiles than cisgender men independent of hormone use and HIV serostatus. AIDS 2022; 36:1801-1809. [PMID: 35950945 PMCID: PMC9529791 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feminizing hormonal therapy (FHT) and HIV potentially alter cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in transgender women (TW). METHODS TW were enrolled in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas and frequency-matched to Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study cisgender men (CM) on age, race, substance use, and abacavir use. Biomarkers of CVD risk and inflammation were assessed via ELISA. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests compared TW and CM. Multivariable linear regression assessed factors associated with biomarker concentrations. RESULTS TW (HIV+ n = 75, HIV- n = 47) and CM (HIV+ n = 40, HIV- n = 40) had mean age 43-45 years; TW/CM were 90%/91% non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or Multiracial, 26%/53% obese, and 34%/24% current smokers; 67% of TW were on FHT. Among people with HIV (PWH), TW had higher median extracellular newly-identified receptor for advanced glycation end-products (EN-RAGE), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type (sTNFR) I/II, interleukin (IL)-8 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, but lower soluble CD14, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and endothelin (ET)-1 levels than CM. Findings were similar for participants without HIV (all P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, TW had higher EN-RAGE, IL-6, IL-8, P selectin, PAI-1, oxLDL and sTNFRI/II concentrations, and lower vWF, independent of HIV serostatus and current FHT use. Both being a TW and a PWH were associated with lower ET-1. CONCLUSIONS Compared to matched cisgender men, trans women have altered profiles of biomarkers associated with systemic inflammation and CVD. Further work is needed to decipher the contributions of FHT to CVD risk in TW with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Lake
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Ruibin Wang
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Ana N Hyatt
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Paula Debroy
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Heather McKay
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Todd T Brown
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Judith S Currier
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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48
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Parry M, Visintini S, Johnston A, Colella TJ, Kapur D, Liblik K, Gomes Z, Dancey S, Liu S, Goodenough C, Hay JL, Noble M, Adreak N, Robert H, Tang N, O'Hara A, Wong A, Mullen KA. Peer-support interventions for women with cardiovascular disease: protocol for synthesising the literature using an evidence map. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067812. [PMID: 36198466 PMCID: PMC9535150 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The leading cause of death for women is cardiovascular disease (CVD), including ischaemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure. Previous literature suggests peer support interventions improve self-reported recovery, hope and empowerment in other patient populations, but the evidence for peer support interventions in women with CVD is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe peer support interventions for women with CVD using an evidence map. Specific objectives are to: (1) provide an overview of peer support interventions used in women with ischaemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure, (2) identify gaps in primary studies where new or better studies are needed and (3) describe knowledge gaps where complete systematic reviews are required. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We are building on previous experience and expertise in knowledge synthesis using methods described by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) and the Coordinating Centre at the Institute of Education. Seven databases will be searched from inception: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus. We will also conduct grey literature searches for registered clinical trials, dissertations and theses, and conference abstracts. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be kept broad, and studies will be included if they discuss a peer support intervention and include women, independent of the research design. No date or language limits will be applied to the searches. Qualitative findings will be summarised narratively, and quantitative analyses will be performed using R. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The University of Toronto's Research Ethics Board granted approval on 28 April 2022 (Protocol #42608). Bubble plots (ie, weighted scatter plots), geographical heat/choropleth maps and infographics will be used to illustrate peer support intervention elements by category of CVD. Knowledge dissemination will include publication, presentation/public forums and social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parry
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Visintini
- Berkman Library, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Johnston
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracey Jf Colella
- Toronto Rehabilitation Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation Program, KITE - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deeksha Kapur
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (Research Assistant), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiera Liblik
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoya Gomes
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sonia Dancey
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shuangbo Liu
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Catherine Goodenough
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline L Hay
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface General Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Meagan Noble
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Indigenous Services Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Najah Adreak
- Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Helen Robert
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Tang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arland O'Hara
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anice Wong
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kerri-Anne Mullen
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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49
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Reddy V, Wurtz M, Patel SH, McCarthy M, Raval AP. Oral contraceptives and stroke: Foes or friends. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101016. [PMID: 35870646 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Incidents of strokes are increased in young women relative to young men, suggesting that oral contraceptive (OC) use is one of the causes of stroke among young women. Long-term exposures to the varying combinations of estrogen and progestogen found in OCs affect blood clotting, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, endothelial function, and de novo synthesis of neurosteroids, especially brain-derived 17β-estradiol. The latter is essential for neuroprotection, memory, sexual differentiation, synaptic transmission, and behavior. Deleterious effects of OCs may be exacerbated due to comorbidities like polycystic ovary syndrome, sickle cell anemia, COVID-19, exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, and conventional or electronic cigarette smoking. The goal of the current review is to revisit the available literature regarding the impact of OC use on stroke, to explain possible underlying mechanisms, and to identify gaps in our understanding to promote future research to reduce and cure stroke in OC users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Reddy
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA; Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA
| | - Megan Wurtz
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA; Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA
| | - Shahil H Patel
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA; Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA
| | - Micheline McCarthy
- Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA
| | - Ami P Raval
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA; Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Florida 33136, USA; Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.
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50
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Abstract
Objectives As of 2016, 1.4 million people in the United States were identified as transgender. Transgender people face health disparities and may be at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to examine the odds of CVD for those who report a transgender identity compared with cisgender. Methods We used logistic regression to examine whether transgender identity was associated with CVD after accounting for factors commonly associated with CVD. Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey for the years 2015 through 2019. Results Of the participants, 93.1% reported no CVD and 6.9% reported CVD. For participants with female sex recorded at birth, those identifying as transgender had 2.66 times higher odds of CVD (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.60-4.41) than those identifying as cisgender. For participants with male sex recorded at birth, the odds of CVD were not statistically significantly different for transgender identity compared with cisgender identity; however, those who were gender nonconforming had 2.21 times higher odds of CVD (95% CI: 1.04-4.70) compared with those with cisgender identity. Additional significant predictors of CVD were age, race, body mass index, alcohol consumption, exercise, and smoking status. Conclusion Participants who were female sex recorded at birth had statistically significant increased odds of CVD for those reporting transgender identity compared with cisgender identity. However, transgender identity did not change the odds of CVD compared with cisgender identity for participants who were male sex recorded at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Howerton
- Public Health Program, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jenine K. Harris
- Public Health Program, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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