The association between ABO blood groups and TASC II classification in patients with peripheral artery disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between blood groups and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD) using TASC II classification.

The patients who were diagnosed with PAD were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with 50% or more stenosis in the aorto-iliac or femoro-popliteal region detected by conventional or CT angiography were included in the study. These patients were divided into TASC II A, B, C, and D groups considering the severity of PAD. All patients' blood groups were recorded and compared between TASC II groups.

While 38% of the study population was O blood group, 61% were non-O group. On the other hand, 90% of the entire study population were RH positive and 10% were RH negative. Non-O blood ratio was found to be significantly higher in patients with higher TASC II groups. (TASC IIA 51.6% vs. TASC IIB 57.9% vs. TASC IIC 61.3% vs. TASC IID 76.6%, p< .001) However, the frequencies of Rh types were similar in all groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for determining the predictors of severity and complexity of PAD (TASC II C and TASC II D lesions).

Our study results revealed a clear association between ABO blood groups and severity of peripheral arterial disease. Non-O blood group was found to be the independent predictor of severe and complex PAD.