Association between ABO Blood Groups and Clinical Characteristics, Severity, and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients
Keywords:
covid-19Abstract
Background:COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and severity, from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death. Various host factors, such as age, comorbidities, and genetic factors such as blood group, may affect susceptibility and outcomes of patients. Elucidating the relationship between blood groups and COVID-19 may help in identifying patients who are at increased risk for severe outcomes. Objective:To find out the association between ABO blood groups and the clinical characteristics, severity, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Methodology:The study was designed as a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which 180 confirmed COVID-19 cases and their blood groups were identified among adults admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 26.0. Results:The mean age of the study population was 48.5 ± 15.1 years, and 60% were males. The distribution of the blood groups was B (35%), O (30%), A (25%), and AB (10%). Dyspnea was more common in blood groups A (71.1%) and AB (72.2%) than O (42.5%, p=0.05). Hypertension was more common in group A (51.1%, p=0.04). ICU admission was more common in AB (33.3%), A (24.4%), and O (12.9%, p=0.05). Mechanical ventilation was necessary for 17.7% of A, 16.6% of AB, and 12.9% of O (p=0.04). Higher mortality was observed in AB (22.2%) and A (17.7%) than O (7.4%), but it was statistically insignificant (p=0.07). Conclusion:ABO blood groups have been found to be associated with the severity and outcome of COVID-19. Blood groups A and AB have a poor outcome, while blood group O has a protective effect. ABO blood grouping may be a useful tool for the management of COVID-19.References
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