Patient Sex

Female patients had significantly lower odds of in-hospital mortality and 30-day postdischarge mortality compared to male patients. Female patients were substantially less likely to have do-resuscitate orders or ICU transfer orders documented at discharge, reflecting a consistent pattern of fewer life-sustaining treatment preferences. Female patients had lower baseline comorbidity burdens, including lower Charlson Comorbidity Index scores and fewer major cardiorenal diagnoses, compared to male patients. Patient sex is consistently and significantly associated with in-hospital outcomes and care processes in this European universal-coverage setting. Female patients incurred significantly lower hospitalisation costs, underwent fewer procedures, and had fewer blood tests ordered per stay compared to male patients. Female patients were significantly less likely to receive non-indicated lipid-lowering therapy for primary prevention in patients over 75 without known cardiovascular disease. Female patients were significantly more likely to receive non-indicated antihypertensive treatment for acute isolated high blood pressure than male patients. Female patients face a dual burden of simul…