Could the ABO Blood Group Types be Associated with COVID-19 Mortality?

Abstract

Aim: Currently, it is still a matter of debate whether a particular blood types is associated with an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ABO blood group types and mortality in patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 427 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and June 2020. SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid was investigated in the naso/oropharyngeal swab samples of the patients by polymerase chain reaction. The blood group types, clinical and demographic data of the cases were obtained from the hospital automation system and patient files. Results: The age range of the patients was between 18 and 96, and 53.4% (228/427) of them were male. The ABO blood group distribution was 47.1% A, 29.5% O, 15.9% B, 7.5% AB. The overall mortality rate of COVID-19 cases was 16.9%. COVID-19 mortality risks were not significant in any of the ABO blood group types. Conclusion: We did not find a significant relationship between blood group types and mortality in patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and received treatment and follow-up.