Sex Influence on Heart Failure Prognosis

Heart failure (HF) affects 1-2% of the population in developed countries and ~50% of patients living with it are women. Compared to men, women are more likely to be older and suffer hypertension, valvular heart disease, and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Since the number of women included in prospective HF studies has been low, much information regarding HF in women has been inferred from clinical trials observations in men and data obtained from registries. Several relevant sex-related differences in HF patients have been described, including biological mechanisms, age, etiology, precipitating factors, comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, treatment effects, and prognosis. Women have greater clinical severity of HF, with more symptoms and worse functional class. However, females with HF have better prognosis compared to males. This survival advantage is particularly impressive given that women are less likely to receive guideline-proven therapies for HF than men. The reasons for this better prognosis are unknown but prior pregnancies may play a role. In this review article we aim to describe sex-related differences in HF and how these differences might explain why women with HF can expect to survive longer than men.

Gender differences in community-acquired pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common type of lower respiratory tract infection and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults worldwide. Sex and gender play an active role in the incidence and outcomes of major infectious diseases, including CAP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched the following electronic databases from January 2001 to December 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAIL, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials), DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and ACP Journal Club database.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Several studies have reported higher male susceptibility to pulmonary infections and higher risk of death due to sepsis. Biological differences (e.g. hormonal cycles and cellular immune-mediated responses) together with cultural, behavioral and socio-economic differences are important determinants of the course and outcome of CAP. However, gender-related bias in the provision of care and use of hospital resources has been reported among women, resulting in delayed hospital admission and consequently necessary care.

CONCLUSIONS

CAP is more severe in males than in females, leading to higher mortality in males, especially in older age. To identify gender differences in CAP can guide patient's prognostication and management.