Variability of blood parameters across ABO and Rh blood groups: Insights from a master health check-up data of adult population

Abstract

Background: The ABO and Rh blood group systems have been associated with variations in disease susceptibility. This study aimed to assess the variability in blood parameters, including red cell parameters and metabolic parameters (Renal function, hepatic function, blood glucose, lipid profile, and thyroid function), by ABO and Rh blood grouping systems. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted among patients who underwent a preventive health check-up at a private tertiary care hospital in Coimbatore, India. The laboratory database contained records of 62,808 adult participants who reported for master health check-ups between January 2017 and February 2024. Among these patients, those who reported for the first time were included. Results: Blood grouping and typing data were available for 50,368 and 56,155 participants, respectively, with a mean age range of 52.6 to 53.0 years across all blood groups. The most prevalent blood group was O, followed by B, A, and AB, with a similar distribution across genders. The mean hemoglobin level was highest in the B group (13.7 ± 13.9 g/dl). MCH and MCV values were elevated in the A and O groups, while MCHC and ESR were higher in the B and AB groups. Renal and liver parameters mostly did not vary by blood group or Rh type, except for elevated urea levels in the A group and higher ALP levels in the O and Rh-positive groups. LDL and total cholesterol were highest in the A group, while HDL was highest in the AB group. Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of considering blood group variations when interpreting blood parameters in clinical practice.

Keywords

• blood grouping and crossmatching
• abo blood-group system
• rh-hr blood-group system
• india