ABO Blood Group and its Unusual Relationship with Thyroid Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are not so uncommon in India, it is estimated that about 42 million people are suffering from thyroid diseases. ABO Blood group classification is commonly used to denote the presence of one, both, or neither of the A and B antigens on erythrocytes. Objective: To investigate the correlation of thyroid hormone abnormalities and their preponderance if any, with ABO Blood group antigens. Methodology: 220 people diagnosed with thyroid gland disorders were divided into three groups based on thyroid hormone levels (Hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and euthyroid) with similar age group, sex ratio and race. ABO antigen based blood groups were assessed for people diagnosed with thyroid gland diseases and analysed. Result: ABO Blood Group: Amongst 220 people 68 people (31%) had “A” blood group out of which people with hypothyroidism – 16(24%), with hyperthyroidism - 32(47%) and 20(29%)–euthyroid; 44 people (20%) had “B” blood group out of which people with hypothyroidism – 12(27%), with hyperthyroidism - 16(36%) and 16(36%)–euthyroid; 100 people (45.45%) had “O” blood group out of which people with hypothyroidism – 68(68%), with hyperthyroidism - 24(24%) and 8(8%)–euthyroid; 8 people (3.6%) had AB blood group out of which people with hypothyroidism - 4, with hyperthyroidism - 4 and 0–euthyroid. Conclusion: Our results indicate that ABO Blood group antigens show a correlation with thyroid hormone disorders. People with BLOOD GROUP “O” are more prone for developing thyroid disorders followed by “A” and “B”. Hypothyroidism was found as the most common presentation amongst “O” blood group and Hyperthyroidism amongst “A” and “B” whereas “AB” showed no such preponderance.