Toward a Better Understanding of Sex- and Gender-Related Differences in Endovascular Stroke Treatment: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Issue 8 (13th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ospel, Johanna M.; Schaafsma, Joanna D.; Leslie-Mazwi, Thabele M.; Amin-Hanjani, Sepideh; Asdaghi, Negar; Gordon-Perue, Gillian L.; Couillard, Philippe; Hadidi, Niloufar N.; Bushnell, Cheryl; McCullough, Louise D.; Goyal, Mayank
• Is Part Of: Stroke. Volume 53:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: e396
• Page End: e406
• Publication Date: 2022-06-13
• Subjects: AHA Scientific Statements -- ischemic stroke -- standard of care -- stroke; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; Cerebral circulation -- Periodicals; 616.81
• DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-2499

Abstract

Abstract : There are many unknowns when it comes to the role of sex in the pathophysiology and management of acute ischemic stroke. This is particularly true for endovascular treatment (EVT). It has only recently been established as standard of care; therefore, data are even more scarce and conflicting compared with other areas of acute stroke. Assessing the role of sex and gender as isolated variables is challenging because they are closely intertwined with each other, as well as with patients' cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds. Nevertheless, a better understanding of sex- and gender-related differences in EVT is important to develop strategies that can ultimately improve individualized outcome for both men and women. Disregarding patient sex and gender and pursuing a one-size-fits-all strategy may lead to suboptimal or even harmful treatment practices. This scientific statement is meant to outline knowledge gaps and unmet needs for future research on the role of sex and gender in EVT for acute ischemic stroke. It also provides a pragmatic road map for researchers who aim to investigate sex- and gender-related differences in EVT and for clinicians who wish to improve clinical care of their patients undergoing EVT by accounting for sex- and gender-specific factors. Although most EVT studies, including those that form the basis of this scientific statement, report patient sex rather than gender, open questions on gender-specific EVT differences are also discussed.