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Clinical characteristics and ABO blood groups in COVID-19 patients, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Badedi1, Awaji Alnami2, Hussain Darraj3
1Administration of Research & Studies, Jazan Health, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study found no link between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 severity in Saudi patients. Old age and diabetes were identified as key predictors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and hospital admission.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding host factors influencing disease outcomes.
- ABO blood group system is a well-known human genetic trait that has been investigated for its potential association with various infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of ABO blood groups among Saudi patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
- To assess the correlation between ABO blood groups and clinical characteristics, including disease severity and hospital admission, in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 404 adult Saudi patients with confirmed COVID-19.
- Data were collected from the Health Electronic Surveillance Network system between July 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020.
- Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between ABO blood groups and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Blood group O was the most prevalent (62.4%) among COVID-19 patients, consistent with the general Saudi population in Jazan.
- No statistically significant association was found between specific ABO blood groups and COVID-19 clinical symptoms, incubation period, disease duration, or severity.
- Advanced age and pre-existing diabetes mellitus were identified as significant predictors of severe COVID-19 and the need for hospital admission.
Conclusions:
- The ABO blood group distribution among Saudi COVID-19 patients in Jazan reflects the regional population demographics.
- ABO blood groups do not appear to be a significant determinant of COVID-19 clinical severity or hospital admission in this Saudi cohort.
- Older age and diabetes are critical risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes, necessitating targeted clinical attention.
Abstract:
This study assessed the proportion of ABO blood groups and clinical characteristics among Saudi patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.This retrospective cohort study included 404 Saudi adults with COVID-19, confirmed by the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The participants were selected randomly between July 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, from the Health Electronic Surveillance Network system, which contains the primary data on COVID-19 infections in Jazan.Blood type O (62.4%) represented the highest proportion in COVID-19 Saudi patients followed by the other blood groups which distributed as follows: blood type A (25.5%), blood type B (10.1%), and blood type AB (2%). Men, and people aged 18-44 years, represented the higher percentage than women and those of a younger age. The majority of the patients with COVID-19 had clinical symptoms (88.4%), and the remainder (11.6%) were asymptomatic. Ninety four percent of the patients had mild COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolated at home. Only 6.4% of the cases were severe and admitted to hospital. There was no significant association between a specific ABO blood group and COVID-19 clinical symptoms (P = .950), incubation period (P = .780), disease duration (P = .430), and disease severity (P = .340). Old age and diabetes were the significant predictors of COVID-19 severity and hospital admission (P = .010).Blood group O represented the highest proportion of COVID-19 Saudi patients as it is the most common blood group in Saudi individuals in Jazan. However, no specific blood group was associated with COVID-19 severity and hospital admission. Old age and diabetes mellitus were shown to be significant predictors of severe COVID-19 and hospital admission.
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