DOES BLOOD TYPE HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE COURSE OF COVID-19?

Abstract

Objective: Predictive parameters that can affect the course of this infection have been the main topic of research since the beginning of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Since the discovery of blood groups, the effect of these on infectious diseases has always been of interest Methodology: To analyze the effect of ABO blood group on mortality, hospitalization duration and hematological and cytokine storm parameters in patients with COVID-19. This retrospective study was conducted on 140 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters including ABO blood group, complete blood count (CBC) parameters, biochemical tests, cytokine storm parameters, duration of hospitalization, and final status (discharge or death) were recorded. Results: The 140 patients included in the analysis comprised 72 (51.4%) males and 68 (48.6%) females with a mean age of 66.3±14.0 years. . Age and gender, hospitalization duration and mortality rates were similar in all blood group types. Only D-dimer values were found to be higher in blood group A compared with other blood groups. Conclusion: Although no difference in mortality was determined between groups, the D-dimer level was statistically significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with A blood group. Larger studies are needed to reflect D-dimer levels on the clinical course of infection, and thus on daily practice