Covid-19 clinical course and blood groups: Turkish population-based study

Abstract

Background/aim: SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell through the binding of the S glycoprotein on the surface of the virus to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) in the host cells and also SARS-CoV S protein binding to ACE-2 was inhibited by anti-A antibodies.The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between blood groups and the course of COVID-19 in Turkey.Materials and methods: Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients aged 18 and over (n=39.850) were randomized in age and gender-matched groups according to blood groups Results: Advanced age, male gender and blood group A were found to be related with increased rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR =1.089, 95% CI: 1.085-1.093 for age; OR=1.963, 95% CI: 1.737-2.218 for male gender; OR=1.216, 95% CI: 1.023-1.446 for blood group A). When blood group O individuals were compared to non-O individuals, no significant difference was observed regarding the rate of hospital and ICU admission, mechanical ventilation (MV) support, length of hospital and ICU stay, and case fatality rate (CFR). The CFR in patients with blood group A, B, O, and AB were 2.6%, 2.2%, 3.1%, and 2.3%, respectively. There were no significant differences between Rh-negative and positive patients regarding the rate of hospital and ICU admission (p=0.280 and p=0.741, respectively), also the rate of MV support and CFR was similar (p=0.933 and p= 0.417). Conclusion:Our study revealed that ABO and Rh blood groups do not have any impact on the rate of hospital admission, hospital and ICU stay, MV support, and CFR.

Predictors of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization: A survey-based study from Jordan

“…For example, having blood type A was reported to increase the risk of severe illness and death by some and, in contrast, to have a protective effect by others [ 10 , 30 , 31 ]. On the other hand, our study, as well as those of others, found no significant effect by the ABO blood groups on the risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 [ [32] , [33] , [34] ].…”

Effects of ABO blood groups and RH-factor on COVID-19 transmission, course and outcome: A review

“…Most studies support the relationship with blood group A and the increased susceptibility and severity of the COVID-19 diseases. In this context, we highlight the Turkish, as it analyzes the data of 39,850 patients and concludes that intensive care unit (ICU) admission was higher for COVID-19 patients with A blood type ( 40 ). However, a study from Nigeria reported blood groups AB and B to be more susceptible to COVID-19 rather than A ( 33 ).…”

ABO Blood Groups and the Incidence of Complications in COVID-19 Patients: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study

“…Several conditions could explain this situation of conflicting results, including diversity of sample size, effect size, multiple confounders, publication bias, or even chance distributions [17,19,20]. Complications considering ABO and the follow-up of patients with a mild illness have been less studied [21][22][23][24].…”