Classic Coagulation Traits Vary According to Rh(D) (But Not ABO) Blood Groups

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Blood coagulation parameters are crucial in hemostasis.
• Erythrocyte antigen systems, including ABO and Rh, are known to influence various physiological processes.
• Previous research suggests potential correlations between blood groups and coagulation, though evidence remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential variations in classic blood coagulation parameters based on erythrocyte antigen systems.
• To compare coagulation profiles (PT, APTT, INR) across different ABO blood groups and Rh factor statuses.
• To identify any influence of Rh(D) antigen on coagulation pathways.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of consecutive patients at a transfusion hemotherapy service.
• Routine laboratory assessment of coagulation profile: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and international normalized ratio (INR).
• Statistical comparison of coagulation parameters stratified by ABO blood group and Rh factor, controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in coagulation parameters were observed between individuals of different ABO blood groups.
• Rh-positive individuals demonstrated statistically significant increases in mean PT, APTT, and INR values compared to Rh-negative individuals.
• Specifically, mean PT was 13.7s (Rh+) vs. 12.6s (Rh-), APTT was 32.0s (Rh+) vs. 30.1s (Rh-), and INR was 1.23 (Rh+) vs. 1.15 (Rh-).

Conclusions:

• The study indicates a potential association between Rh factor status and blood coagulation.
• Rh-positive individuals may exhibit a slightly lowered rate of coagulation compared to Rh-negative individuals.
• The Rh(D) erythrocyte antigen is hypothesized to exert an inhibitory effect on the coagulation cascade.