Relationship Between ABO Blood Types and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity

Objectives: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection spreads rapidly around the world. The blood groups are recognized to influence susceptibility to certain viruses. The aim of this research was to determine any potential role of the patients' ABO and Rh blood groups in both the acquisition and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a growing global health problem, to find any marker for COVID-19 may help to identify high-risk individuals and ease the strain on health system. Methods: The patients who were hospitalized between March and August 2020 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and had a documented ABO blood type in medical database were examined retrospectively. Patients were grouped as survivors (followed up in pandemic wards /or intensive care unit [ICU]) and non-survivors. Their ABO blood types were correlated with general population's blood types. The labaratory findings of patients were evaluated according to the blood types. Results: A total of 492 patients included, 233 (47.4%) were male. The mean age was 58.9 +/- 17.5. Data of ABO blood groups of 51966 individuals in general population was used as a control group; the number of the patients in Rh (-) blood type 0, were significantly lower than the control group (p=0.008). Among the whole patient group (survivors and non-survivors), Blood type A 210 (42%) was the most common and type AB 52 (10%) was the least common. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between survivors (pandemic wards/ICU) and non-survivors unlike the previous studies (p=0.514). No correlation was found between laboratory findings (Hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, platelet, white blood cell, lymphocyte, D-Dimer, C-reactive protein, ferritin) and ABO blood groups of COVID-19 patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no association found between the ABO blood type and COVID-19 infection rate or disease severity. No evidence was noted to support the use of ABO blood type as a marker for COVID-19. Further efforts are warranted to better predict outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.