Association between blood types and mortality rates in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

The literature indicates viral pathogens use blood group antigens as receptors. We studied if blood groups of COVID-19 patients differ in disease course and mortality risk.Utilizing a retrospective methodology, we scrutinized medical records of 7919 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized at a tertiary medical center from March 2020 to February 2022. The patients were separated into two groups based on where they were treated: Group 1: Out-patient (non-hospitalized patients; n = 4908) and Group 2: In-patient (hospitalized patients; n = 3011). Rates of hospitalization, mortality, and demographics of COVID-19 patients were compared based on blood groups. The study population included 3809 (48.1%) female and 4110 (51.9%) male patients. The average age of patients was 53.8 ± 20.39 years. More than half were 65 and older. Blood group A Rh (+) was identified as the predominant one, comprising 39.9% of the total population sample. Age ≥ 65 years and blood group AB Rh (+) were related to greater hospitalization rates (OR = 4.577 and OR = 1.200; respectively) as well as increased mortality rates (OR = 4.448 and OR = 1.339; respectively), whereas O Rh (+) and O Rh (-) had the opposite influence (OR = 0.896 and OR = 0.618 for hospitalization, OR = 0.810 and OR = 0.070 for mortality; respectively). Our research shows strong links between blood types and COVID-19, highlighting the need for personalized care.