scholarly journals The male excess case-fatality rates for COVID-19 – A meta-analytic study of the age-related differences and consistency over six countries

Author(s):  
Manfred S Green ◽  
Naama Schwartz ◽  
Dorit Nitzan ◽  
Victoria Peer

AbstractBackgroundEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noted that males seemed to be more affected than females. We examined the magnitude and consistency of the sex differences in age-specific case-fatality rates (CFRs) in six countries.MethodsData on the cases and deaths from COVID-19, by sex and age group, were extracted from the published reports from Denmark, England, Israel, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Age-specific CFRs were computed for males and females separately. The ratio of the male to female CFRs were computed and meta-analytic methods were used to obtained pooled estimates of the male to female ratio of the CFRs over the six countries, for seven age-groups.FindingsThe CFRs were consistently higher in males at all ages. The differences were greater in the younger age groups. The pooled M:F CFR ratios were 2.53, 2.92, 2.57, 1.83, 1.57, 1.58 and 1.48 for ages 0-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89 and 90+. There was remarkable consistency between countries in the magnitude of the M:F CFRs, in each age group. In meta-regression, age group explained almost all the heterogeneity in the CFR ratios.ConclusionsThe sex differences in the CFRs are intriguing and are compatible with the male dominance in the incidence rates of many infectious diseases. For COVID-19, factors such as sex differences in the prevalence of underlying diseases may play a part in the CFR differences. However, the greater severity of the disease in males, particularly at younger ages, may be part of the disease mechanism and should be explored further.FundingNo funding was provided for this study. The authors declare no conflict of interests

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250523
Author(s):  
Manfred S. Green ◽  
Dorit Nitzan ◽  
Naama Schwartz ◽  
Yaron Niv ◽  
Victoria Peer

Background Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noted that males seemed to have higher case-fatality rates than females. We examined the magnitude and consistency of the sex differences in age-specific case-fatality rates (CFRs) in seven countries. Methods Data on the cases and deaths from COVID-19, by sex and age group, were extracted from the national official agencies from Denmark, England, Israel, Italy, Spain, Canada and Mexico. Age-specific CFRs were computed for males and females separately. The ratio of the male to female CFRs were computed and meta-analytic methods were used to obtained pooled estimates of the male to female ratio of the CFRs over the seven countries, for all age-groups. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were conducted to evaluate the age and country contribution to differences. Results The CFRs were consistently higher in males at all ages. The pooled M:F CFR ratios were 1.71, 1.88, 2.11, 2.11, 1.84, 1.78 and 1.49, for ages 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80+ respectively. In meta-regression, age group and country were associated with the heterogeneity in the CFR ratios. Conclusions The sex differences in the age-specific CFRs are intriguing. Sex differences in the incidence and mortality have been found in many infectious diseases. For COVID-19, factors such as sex differences in the prevalence of underlying diseases may play a part in the CFR differences. However, the consistently greater case-fatality rates in males at all ages suggests that sex-related factors impact on the natural history of the disease. This could provide important clues as to the mechanisms underlying the severity of COVID-19 in some patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred S. Green ◽  
Naama Schwartz ◽  
Victoria Peer

Abstract The magnitude and consistency of the sex differences in meningococcal disease incidence rates (IR) have not been systematically examined in different age groups, countries and time periods. We obtained national data on meningococcal disease IR by sex, age group and time period, from 10 countries. We used meta-analytic methods to combine the male to female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) by country and year for each age group. Meta-regression analysis was used to assess the contribution of age, country and time period to the variation in the IRRs. The pooled male to female IRRs (with 95% CI) for ages 0–1, 1–4, 5–9, 10–14 and 15–44, were 1.25 (1.19–1.32), 1.24 (1.20–1.29), 1.13 (1.07–1.20), 1.21 (1.13–1.29) and 1.15 (1.10–1.21), respectively. In the age groups 45−64 and over 65, the IR were lower in males with IRRs of 0.83 (0.78–0.88) and 0.64 (0.60–0.69), respectively. Sensitivity analysis and meta-regression confirmed that the results were robust. The excess meningococcal IR in young males and the higher rates in females at older ages were consistent in all countries, except the Czech Republic. While behavioural factors could explain some of the sex differences in the older age groups, the excess rates in very young males suggest that genetic and hormonal differences could be important.


Author(s):  
CC Nwafor ◽  
K Obioha ◽  
TO Akhiwu

Ascites is a symptom that can originate due to diverse pathologies. A lot of investigations including ascitic fluid cytology (AFC) can be done on it to help determine its origin. The aim of this study, is to document the findings and highlight the importance of AFC in patient care in Uyo. All AFC reports and slides in the Department of Histopathology, University of Uyo were retrieved, reviewed and used for this study. The age ranged from 1.5 – 80 years with mean age, 41.79 (±17.23) years. About 71.8% of the ascitic fluid (AF) specimens were from patients between the 3rd and 6th decade. Females predominated in all age groups expect 10-19 year's group, with a male to female sex ratio of 1:2.4. Malignant cells were seen in 28.7% of all the samples, while 51.2% were negative for malignant cells. Malignant cells were seen in 4 (6.7%), 11 (18.3%) and 6 (10%) of the AFC performed due to various liver pathologies, ovarian malignancies and intra-abdominal malignancies respectively. Malignant cells were found more in females with a male to female ratio of 1: 3.6. Age group 40-49 years accounted for most of the malignant cases (26.6%). The pattern of AFC in Uyo is similar to the pattern in other parts of Nigeria


Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 77 (10) ◽  
pp. 2166-2168 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Issaragrisil ◽  
C Sriratanasatavorn ◽  
A Piankijagum ◽  
S Vannasaeng ◽  
Y Porapakkham ◽  
...  

Abstract The annual incidence of aplastic anemia in metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand, and its five suburban provinces was prospectively determined. All patients first diagnosed during the period from January through December 1989 who met specific clinical and pathologic criteria were included. Thirty-two cases were identified, yielding an overall incidence of 3.7 per million. The incidence rates for the age groups 0 through 24, 25 through 59, and over 60 years were 4.3, 3.2, and 2.1 per million, respectively; the highest rate, 7.2 per million, was found for individuals aged 15 to 24 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.9. The incidence of aplastic anemia in Bangkok is higher than that reported in recent European studies. The peak rate in young persons is almost fourfold higher than in comparable recent western studies and suggests an environmental etiology peculiar to Thailand.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenli He ◽  
Danhong Xu ◽  
Jiafeng Wang ◽  
Yuze Shen ◽  
Zheng Lin ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundLittle is known about the gender characteristics and the Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19) impact on psychiatric department outpatients in general hospitals in China. MethodsWe retrospectively collected 225,947 outpatient clinic records before and during COVID-19 pandemic from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 in the psychiatric clinic of 3 general hospitals, gender composition of patients was analyzed in different five age groups and nine diagnostic categories at three levels: total patient visits, number of patients and number of first-visit patients. ResultsThe total male-to-female ratio of psychiatric outpatient records in 3 general hospitals from 2019 to 2020 was 1:1.69. Women were more common in all age groups and the male-to-female ratio of 2020 was expanded compared to that of 2019, especially in age group below 34 years old and anxiety disorders category. Most mental disorders showed higher demands for females than that for males except Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use with the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.05. Compared to 2019, the proportions of women were expanded especially in age group below 34 years old, and anxiety disorder and undetermined diagnosis categories were significantly increased in 2020. ConclusionsThe demand for female psychiatric outpatient services is obviously higher than that for males. It is necessary to pay more attention to explore targeted mechanism or psychosocial service strategy for female patients with mental disorders. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100044894, March 31,2021 retrospectively registered.


Author(s):  
Rachana R. ◽  
Shivaswamy K. N. ◽  
Anuradha H. V.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, derived from the Latin word Cingulum, for “girdle”. This is because a common presentation of HZ involves a unilateral rash that can wrap around the waist or torso like a girdle. HZ results due to reactivation of an earlier latent infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in dorsal root ganglia. It occurs at all age groups, common over 60 years of age. It is estimated that in non-immune populations, approximately 15 cases per 1000 people occur per year. The objective of the study was to study the clinical characteristics in patients with uncomplicated herpes zoster.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 72 patients attending dermatology OPD at Ramaiah medical college between June 2013 to September 2014 were recruited after obtaining informed consent. A detailed history regarding onset of rash, pain, progression, duration and distribution of the lesions were recorded. Demographic information including age, sex, and any other co morbidities noted. Tzanck smear and serology for HIV was done where-ever necessary.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Of the 72 patients, females outnumbered males [M=35(48.61%), F=37 (51.39%)] with male to female ratio of 0.9 to 1. The mean age of presentation was 58±18 years. Majority of the patients (54%) were in the age group of 51 to 70 years followed by 31-50 years (25%). Least number of cases (9%) was in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Of the 72 subjects, thoracic involvement was noted in 30.6%, followed by lumbar (22%), and trigeminal (16%). Cervical (4%) and sacral (2%) involvement was the least. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Herpes zoster commonly occurs in old age and the presenting symptom being pain and burning sensation. Thoracic dermatome is the commonest site. Immunocompromised states like diabetes, malignancy and HIV can increase the risk of developing herpes zoster.</span></p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred S Green ◽  
Naama Schwartz ◽  
Victoria Peer

Abstract Background . There is evidence that males have higher incidence rates (IR) of campylobacteriosis than femlaes. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the sex differences differ between age groups and are consistent over different countries and over different time periods. Methods. We obtained data on incidence rates of campylobacteriosis by sex and age group over a period of 11-26 years from seven countries. Male to female incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed by age group, country and time period. For each age group, we used meta-analytic methods to combine the IRRs. Sensitivity analysis was used to test whether the results are robust to differences between countries and time periods. Meta-regression was conducted to estimate the different effects of age, country, and time period on the IRR. Results . In the age groups <1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-44, 45-64 and 65+ years old, the pooled IRRs (with 95% CI) were 1.31 (1.26-1.37), 1.34 (1.31-1.37), 1.35 (1.32-1.38), 1.73 (1.68-1.79), 1.10 (1.08-1.12), 1.19(1.17-1.21) and 1.27 (1.24-1.30), respectively. For each age group, the excess campylobacteriosis incidence rates in males differed at different age groups. However, despite some quantitative differences between countries, the excess was consistently present over long time-periods. In meta-regression analysis, age group was responsible for almost all the variation in the IRRs. Conclusions . The male predominance in campylobacteriosis incidence rates starts in infancy. This suggests that this is due, at least in part, to physiological or genetic differences and not just behavioural factors. These findings can provide clues to the mechanisms of the infection and could lead to more targeted treatments and vaccine development.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. 023-028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta Choudhary ◽  
Ajit Kumar ◽  
Himanshu Arora

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to determine any relationship, if exists, between the patient's mental attitude with age, sex, or educational qualification. Methods: A total of 200 patients who attended the outpatient department during a span of 1 year, for the fabrication of new complete dentures, were chosen for the study. After completing a routine case history and examination, a questionnaire was filled by the clinician as answered by the patient. Participants were evaluated and categorized based on the questionnaire and clinical experience during treatment according to a predefined classification of determining mental attitudes. Outcomes from the survey were correlated with participant gender, age, and educational status. Results: The male to female ratio was 83:117, out of the 200 enrolled participants. The results from the questionnaire showed that females were found to be more exacting (P = 0.007) in nature, while males, on the other hand, revealed more indifferent attitude (P = 0.02); both differences being statistically significant. Of the three age group categories: Participants in the age group of 45–54 years revealed a significant inclination toward an exacting attitude when compared with other age groups (P < 0.001). In regards to educational status, an illiterate or minimally educated group significantly outnumbered the college graduates in the indifferent attitude group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it could be said that the mental attitudes of patients could vary according to gender, age, and educational status, which could affect patient cooperation and satisfaction with oral rehabilitation, eventually manipulating the overall success of the treatment rendered.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred S Green ◽  
Naama Schwartz ◽  
Victoria Peer

Abstract Background . There is evidence that males have higher incidence rates (IR) of campylobacteriosis than femlaes. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the sex differences differ between age groups and are consistent over different countries and over different time periods. Methods. We obtained data on incidence rates of campylobacteriosis by sex and age group over a period of 11-26 years from seven countries. Male to female incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed by age group, country and time period. For each age group, we used meta-analytic methods to combine the IRRs. Sensitivity analysis was used to test whether the results are robust to differences between countries and time periods. Meta-regression was conducted to estimate the different effects of age, country, and time period on the IRR. Results . In the age groups <1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-44, 45-64 and 65+ years old, the pooled IRRs (with 95% CI) were 1.31 (1.26-1.37), 1.34 (1.31-1.37), 1.35 (1.32-1.38), 1.73 (1.68-1.79), 1.10 (1.08-1.12), 1.19(1.17-1.21) and 1.27 (1.24-1.30), respectively. For each age group, the excess campylobacteriosis incidence rates in males differed at different age groups. However, despite some quantitative differences between countries, the excess was consistently present over long time-periods. In meta-regression analysis, age group was responsible for almost all the variation in the IRRs. Conclusions . The male predominance in campylobacteriosis incidence rates starts in infancy. This suggests that this is due, at least in part, to physiological or genetic differences and not just behavioural factors. These findings can provide clues to the mechanisms of the infection and could lead to more targeted treatments and vaccine development.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 1138-1138
Author(s):  
Christine A. Sabapathy ◽  
Susan R. Kahn ◽  
Robert W Platt ◽  
Vicky Tagalakis

Abstract Abstract 1138 Background: Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE), although rare, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Published incidence rates in this age group vary from 0.07 to 0.49 VTE per 10 000 children/year and there is currently a paucity of studies evaluating temporal incidence trends. Objectives: To describe the age-adjusted incidence rates of pediatric VTE and its trend over time in a large pediatric cohort. Methods: A retrospective cohort of all children (ages 1–17 inclusive) with a first time diagnosis of VTE in the province of Quebec, Canada over an eleven-year period, from January 1st, 1994 to December 31st, 2004, was obtained from a comprehensive administrative hospital database (Med-Echo). Quebec census estimates were used to calculate age-standardized incidence rates (IR) of pediatric VTE. The incidence rate trend was then analyzed over the eleven-year study period using Poisson linear regression. Sex differences in incidence rates at the population level stratified by age group as a confounder as well as baseline characteristics of the cases were also evaluated. Results: In total, 487 incident cases of VTE in children 1–17 years of age were documented during the study period. Based on the estimated provincial census person-years during the study period, the age-standardized IR was 0.29 VTE per 10 000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26–0.31). Females overall had a statistically significant higher VTE incidence rate with an incidence rate ratio of 1.75 (95% CI 1.46–2.11) when controlled for age groups, as compared to males. When analyzed by age group, the age-standardized IRs were as follows: 1–5 year olds 0.04 VTE per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 0.03–0.05); 6–10 year olds 0.03 VTE per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 0.02–0.04); 11–14 year olds 0.06 VTE per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 0.05–0.07); 15–17 year olds 0.16 VTE per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 0.14–0.18). Trend analysis of the age-standardized IRs over the 11-year period showed no significant change in incidence rates whether using time as a continuous (yearly) or categorical variable (time-periods). Conclusions: Pediatric VTE is more frequent than previously described, however the rate is stable. As shown by others, children in their late-teen years have a higher risk of VTE than primary school-aged children. Unlike prior studies, females were more prone to VTE than males. Future studies that address sex differences in the incidence of pediatric VTE are needed to help determine effective primary thromboprophylaxis strategies in children at high risk for VTE. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document