The Effect of ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus Factor on Cardiac Surgery Performed with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

In cardiac surgery operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), patients are connected to a heart-lung machine and the patient's blood comes into contact with nonphysiological extracorporeal circulation equipment.

In this retrospective study, we investigated the effect of the interaction of ABO and Rh blood groups with extracorporeal circulatory equipment on transfusion requirements and peroperative outcomes in patients undergoing CPB-guided cardiac surgery.

The study data were obtained retrospectively. Demographic and descriptive data of the patients were recorded. Haemogram and biochemistry parameters and other variables measured in the perioperative period were also collected. The relationships between ABO and Rh blood groups and these variables were statistically analysed.

A total of 913 patients were included in the study, mean age was 62.6±10.4 years, mean BSA was 1.87±0.2 m2, and 59.5% of the patients were male. The most common surgical procedures were CABGx3 (35.0%) and CABGx4 (31.5%). There was no significant difference between blood groups and pre/postoperative haematological parameters and clinical outcomes (p>0.05). However, intensive care unit duration was significantly longer in AB Rh(+) and AB Rh(-) groups (p<0.001). According to the ABO system, ICU duration was longer in the AB group than in the other groups (p<0.001). The need for inotropes (p= 0.035) and ICU duration (p<0.001) were higher in Rh negative patients.

This study showed that ABO and Rh blood groups may have an effect on ICU duration and the need for inotropic support in patients undergoing CPB. In particular, it was found that ICU duration was prolonged in patients with AB blood group and Rh negative factor and the rate of inotrope use was higher in Rh negative patients.