Sex- Or Gender-Specific Differences In The Clinical Presentation, Outcome, And Treatment Of SARS-CoV-2

This review highlighted sex and gender differences in the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of COVID-19. Men were found to have a higher risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality, while women were more likely to experience "long COVID" symptoms. Biological factors, such as immune-related genes on the X chromosome and sex hormones, contributed to these disparities. The review emphasized the need for sex-disaggregated analysis in COVID-19 research, as less than 5% of studies had planned for such analysis. It also discussed the influence of sex hormones on immune responses, with testosterone linked to increased severity and estrogen potentially mitigating disease severity. Men exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers and were more prone to venous thromboembolic events, while women were at greater risk for prolonged symptoms. The document underscored the importance of considering sex-specific factors in COVID-19 treatment and prognosis.