The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Sex differences in repair rates and outcomes of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. BJS 2019; 106: 1480-1487.

Published: 12th August 2019

Authors: S. Zommorodi, M. Bottai, R. Hultgren

Background

Data are conflicting on sex differences in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair rates and outcomes have rarely been addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the management and outcome of rAAA in men and women, and to describe time trends over a 15‐year interval.

Method

Data on patients with rAAA were extracted from the Swedish National Patient Registry and the Cause of Death Registry for the interval 2001–2015. The study included patients with rAAA whether or not they were admitted to any hospital in Sweden. A propensity score‐matched model was used to determine sex differences in repair type and outcome after rupture. Time trends for rAAA events and mortality were investigated.

Results

Some 10 724 patients were identified. A higher percentage of men were admitted to hospital (79·8 versus 77·5 per cent; P = 0·011). Of those admitted, a higher percentage of men than women were treated (56·6 versus 40·4 per cent, P < 0·001). Women were less likely to be treated when diagnosed with rAAA (average treatment effect (ATE) in the model –0·080, 95 per cent c.i. –0·106 to –0·055; P < 0·001). Thirty‐day mortality was also higher in women (ATE 0·094, 0·053 to 0·135; P < 0·001); this effect persisted to 1 year (ATE 0·095, 0·052 to 0·137; P < 0·001). Time trends indicated a decrease in rAAA incidence, mostly owing to a decrease among men.

Conclusion

In this study, fewer women with rAAA received surgery and 30‐day mortality was higher than in men. There was an overall decrease in rAAA incidence, principally in men.

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