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

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