Do AB0 blood groups affect lower urinary tract symptoms?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect a significant portion of the male population.
• The potential influence of genetic factors, such as ABO blood group and Rhesus (Rh) factor, on LUTS risk is an area of ongoing research.
• Understanding these associations may aid in risk stratification and personalized prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential correlation between ABO blood group antigens and Rhesus factor and the occurrence of LUTS in male patients.
• To determine if specific blood types are associated with an increased risk of developing LUTS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 556 male patients presenting with LUTS were analyzed.
• Patients were categorized into two groups: those with LUTS (n=283) and those without (n=273).
• Univariate logistic regression analysis was employed to compare the effect of blood groups on LUTS.

Main Results:

• Blood groups A and AB were more prevalent in the LUTS group (56.7% and 56.9%, respectively), while blood group O was least common (44.1%).
• The incidence of LUTS was higher in Rh-negative individuals (66.7%) compared to Rh-positive individuals (48.9%).
• Individuals with blood groups A and AB showed a 1.65 and 1.66 times higher risk of LUTS, respectively, compared to blood group O. The risk increased 2.09 times for Rh-negative individuals.

Conclusions:

• A significant correlation exists between ABO blood group, Rhesus factor, and the risk of developing LUTS.
• Individuals with blood group A Rh-negative and AB blood group face an elevated risk of LUTS.
• These findings suggest that blood type may be a contributing factor to LUTS development, warranting further investigation.