TNFα Variation During the Menstrual Cycle and Thereafter: A New Explanation for Gender-Based Disparities in ICU Admission Rates, Trauma Outcomes, and General Mortality.

Background: Multiple studies have found gender-based disparities in intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates and in complications following trauma. Female gender was associated with lower mortality when comparing patients less than 50 years of age. These data suggest an important role for cycle rather than gender itself.