Long-Term Outcomes With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Women Compared With Men: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to examine long-term outcomes with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in women versus men.

Background: TAVR is commonly performed in women. Previous studies have shown conflicting results with respect to sex differences in outcomes with TAVR. In addition, short-term outcomes have primarily been reported.

Methods: Electronic search was performed until March 2017 for studies reporting outcomes with TAVR in women versus men. Random effects DerSimonian-Laird risk ratios were calculated. Outcomes included all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events at short- (30 days) and long-term (>1 year) follow-up.

Results: Seventeen studies (8 TAVR registries; 47,188 patients; 49.4% women) were analyzed. Women were older but exhibited fewer comorbidities. At 30 days, women had more bleeding (p < 0.001), vascular complications (p < 0.001), and stroke/transient ischemic attack (p = 0.02), without difference in all-cause (p = 0.19) or cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.91) compared with men. However, female sex was associated with lower all-cause mortality at 1 year (risk ratio: 0.85; 95% confidence interval: 0.79 to 0.91; p < 0.001), and longest available follow-up (mean 3.28 ± 1.04 years; risk ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.81 to 0.92; p < 0.001), potentially caused by less moderate/severe aortic insufficiency (p = 0.001), and lower cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.009). The female survival advantage remained consistent across multiple secondary analyses. The risk of stroke, moderate/severe aortic insufficiency, and all-cause mortality seemed to vary based on the type of valve used; however, without significant subgroup interactions.

Conclusions: Despite a higher upfront risk of complications, women derive a better long-term survival after TAVR compared with men.

Keywords: TAVR; aortic valve replacement; men; sex; women.