Background and purpose: We compared the diagnostic evaluation and outcome of ischemic stroke between men and women in large cohort of Polish patients.
Methods: Our study included 1488 consecutive patients (755 women and 733 men) with ischemic stroke, treated in a single stroke unit between January 2002 and August 2007. We analyzed demographic factors, major risk factors for stroke, severity of neurological deficit on admission, diagnostic work-up performed during the hospital stay, and outcome on discharge.
Results: Women were older than men (70.9+/-13.7 vs 66.2+/-12.7 years; P<0.001) and had greater neurological deficit on admission (median NIHSS score: 7 [3-13] vs 5 [3-10]; P<0.001). They were also less likely to obtain good recovery on discharge (39.2% vs 49.9%; P<0.001). Carotid ultrasound and echocardiography were performed more often in men (77.2% vs 68.7% and 52.4% vs 46.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Lesser neurological deficit on admission, younger age, and lack of history of myocardial infarction or previous stroke, but not gender, were independent predictors of full diagnostic work-up.
Conclusions: Gender does not influence the adequate diagnostic evaluation of ischemic stroke as an independent factor.