Sex and gender influence symptom manifestation and survival in multiple system atrophy

Abstract To evaluate the influence of sex and gender on clinical characteristics and survival in multiple system atrophy (MSA), we reviewed MSA patients with autonomic testing 1998–2012. Of 685 patients, 52% were male. Median survival overall was 7.3 years for males, 7.6 years for females. Survival from diagnosis was 2.9 years in males, 3.8 years in females. Females were more likely to initially manifest motor symptoms. Males were more likely to have orthostatic intolerance and early catheterization. In conclusion, our data show longer survival from diagnosis in females and slight overall survival benefit which may be related to initial motor manifestations.