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Stage 1 Registered Report: sex differences in anticoagulation and stroke outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation: a registry-based cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Women with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of ischaemic stroke and worse functional outcomes than men but may be less likely to receive adequate anticoagulation. Preliminary single-centre findings in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion suggest that women may be under-anticoagulated prior to stroke onset. This Stage 1 Registered Report outlines a prespecified analysis plan to test sex-based differences in anticoagulation, stroke characteristics, treatment and outcomes in a prespecified confirmatory population and to explore whether similar patterns are observed at the national level. Using a retrospective cohort design, we will analyse local data from Stavanger University Hospital (2009-22) and national data from the Norwegian Stroke Registry. Confirmatory analyses will include patients with atrial fibrillation and large vessel occlusion treated with endovascular thrombectomy. Sex differences in anticoagulation, stroke severity, treatments and outcomes will be examined using chi-square tests and prespecified regression models; equivalence testing will be applied where appropriate. Exploratory analyses will assess age, comorbidity and healthcare delivery as potential mediators and moderators. No confirmatory analyses have been conducted.

Source: Brain Communications

DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcag386

Authors: Benedikte L Nygaard, Soffien C Ajmi, Camilla J H Normand, Kathinka D Kurz, Lars Fjetland, Friedrich M W Kurz

Institutions: Stavanger University Hospital, University of Stavanger, University of Bergen

Language: English

Topic: Acute Ischemic Stroke Management

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,024