Rh Blood Research Articles

Impaired Iron Metabolism and Cerebral Perfusion Patterns in Unilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis or Occlusion: Insights from Quantitative Susceptibility mapping.

Cerebral hypoperfusion caused by stenosis or occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) may be followed by impaired iron metabolism. We explored the association between iron changes of gray matter (GM) nuclei subregions and different cerebral perfusion patterns in patients with chronic unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis or occlusion using quantitative susceptibility imaging (QSM). Sixty-one patients with unilateral MCA stenosis or occlusion were recruited and scored with Alberta-Stroke-Program-Early-CT-Score (ASPECTS) based on relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measurements to calculate the number of corresponding hypoperfusion subregions, and then divided into an extensive-hypoperfusion group (EH group), regional-hypoperfusion group (RH group), and normal-perfusion group (Control group) accordingly. The measured magnetic susceptibility of GM nuclei subregions was compared between the lesion and contralateral side for each group and among the three groups. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationships of magnetic susceptibility of GM nuclei with mean rCBF, National-Institutes-of-Health-stroke-scale (NIHSS) and modified-Rankin-scale (mRS) scores. Magnetic susceptibility in the putamen (PU) and globus pallidus (GP) at the lesion side was higher in the EH and RH groups compared with the contralateral side (all P < 0.05). Susceptibility in the lesion side PU and GP showed negative correlations with mean rCBF and positive correlations with NIHSS and mRS scores (all P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion might be one cause of cerebral abnormal iron metabolism. In addition, magnetic susceptibility of PU and GP seems to be correlated with stroke scale scores, suggesting that iron deposition may play an important role in neurologic deficits after ischemic stroke.

Association of ABO phenotype, rhesus factor, platelet count and hemoglobin level with oral hygiene status and severity of chronic periodontitis

BackgroundThe development of periodontal diseases has multifactorial causes including genetic factors. Limited investigations have been conducted to explore the association between ABO blood groups and the development and progression of periodontal diseases. AimTo evaluate and assess the association of ABO Phenotype and Rhesus factor with oral hygiene status, severity of chronic periodontitis and blood parameters like hemoglobin level and Platelet count in localized and generalized chronic periodontitis. Material and methodsStudy was carried out on 100 patients, out of which 80 patients of Generalized Chronic Periodontitis and 20 patients of Localized Chronic Periodontitis. Patients were categorized into Mild, Moderate and Severe Periodontitis. ResultA highly significant association was found between severity of periodontitis and blood groups with blood group B and O were found to be at a greater risk to develop moderate to severe form of chronic periodontitis. Also subjects with blood group B and O showed worst oral hygiene among all the blood groups. Also patients suffering from chronic periodontitis showed a general trend towards lower limit of both hemoglobin level and platelet. ConclusionGenetic factors such as ABO blood group antigens may act as a risk influencer that plays a role in progression and severity of the chronic periodontitis, with blood group B and O being worst affected. Another observation was that a long standing case of chronic periodontitis can lead to anemia thus having systemic implications.

Exploring the Link between ABO Blood Groups and Obesity among Young Adults

Objective: To explore the link between the ABO blood groups and obesity among young adults of Hyderabad district, Sind, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022, and included 582 randomly selected participants, including 301 males and 281 females, aged between 18 to 40 years, from various institutions of district Hyderabad, including students, faculty members, and employee of universities, colleges, hospitals. A simple random sampling technique was used for the collection of data. Before induction, verbal consent was taken from all the participants. Data was collected by a self-structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics. A brief history was taken relevant to the parameters of the study followed by measuring Body Mass Index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. BMI was categorized with South Asian standards. Data collected through structured questionnaires and anthropometric parameters were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Results: In this study, the data of 582 participants were included out of 600 participants, as the remaining 18 could not provide complete data. The mean age in male participants was 27.83 ± 5.478 and in females was 22.27 ± 4.730. The average BMI in male participants was 25.81 ± 5.08 and in females was 24.00 ±4.90. Overall, 205 B blood group participants were found obese, which included 111 male participants and 94 female participants, followed by blood 197 group O participants, 130 A blood group participants, and 50 AB group individuals. In total, there were 536 Rh positives, and only 42 Rh negatives. Individuals with blood group B and Rh-positive status were identified at being greater risk of developing higher BMI, waist-hip ratio, and waist circumference. Conclusion: The evidence found in this study proved a positive association of the types of blood groups with BMI, waist-hip ratio, and waist circumference.

Toxoplasma WH3 Δrop18 acts as a live attenuated vaccine against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is a significant zoonotic pathogen of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. Here a live attenuated Toxoplasma vaccine of WH3 Δrop18 was developed. The results showed that all mice vaccinated with WH3 Δrop18 were able to survive when challenge with various strains of Toxoplasma, including RH (type I), ME49 (type II), WH3 or WH6 (type Chinese 1). No cysts, if few, in the brain of the vaccinated animals were seen after challenge with cyst forming strains of ME49 or WH6. Vaccination with the WH3 Δrop18 triggered a strong immune response, including significantly increased level of the cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10) and the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes and long term of specific antibodies against Toxoplasma. Our results strongly indicate that vaccine of WH3 Δrop18 might provide effective immune protection against a wide range strains of Toxoplasma infections and be a promising live attenuated vaccine candidate.

Anxiety and depression among various blood groups of undergraduate medical and physical therapy students

Objective: To access the frequency of depression and anxiety among the various blood groups of medical and physiotherapy students. Method: A cross-sectional study on 215 MBBS and DPT students was conducted at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College (AFMDC) from November 2022-May 2023. Google Form containing sections for relevant information concerning participants and fourteen items- Hospital anxiety and depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire for evaluation of anxiety and depression, was administered among the MBBS and DPT students through social media. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Mean ±SD was calculated for continuous variables like HADS score and age. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical variables such as blood groups, anxiety and depression. ANOVA was used to compare HADS score among various blood groups. P-value ≤0.05 was taken statistically significant. Result: Mild anxiety was found in A&gt;O&gt;B&gt;AB, while severe anxiety was found in B&gt;A&gt;AB&gt;O. Mild depression was found in A&gt;B&gt;O&gt;AB, while severe depression was found in A&gt;O&gt;B&gt;AB. However, on ANOVA, when comparing anxiety and depression scores with blood groups, they were found to be higher in blood Group-A. Rhesus factor positive blood groups have severe anxiety and mild depression while Rhesus factor negative blood groups have mild anxiety and severe depression. Conclusion: Severe anxiety was common in blood Group-B while severe depression was common in people with blood Group-A. While mild anxiety and mild depression was found in blood Group-A, however, sever anxiety was common in positive Rhesus factor blood types while severe depression was found in negative Rhesus factor blood types. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.8984 How to cite this: Rubab-e-Hira, Ali M, Jawed S, Altaf B. Anxiety and depression among various blood groups of undergraduate medical and physical therapy students. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2422-2427. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.8984 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Red blood cell alloimmunization in transfused patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A single centre retrospective study

BackgroundHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic blood vessel disorder which may lead to chronic bleeding and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Data on transfusion requirements and complications in HHT patients are sparse. Study Design and MethodsRetrospective chart review was conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital (SMH) in Toronto, Canada. All adults with a definite clinical diagnosis of HHT AND inpatient hospital visits between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020 AND had undergone transfusion compatibility testing at SMH, were identified. Data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Institutional Research Ethics Board approval was obtained. Results63 HHT patients underwent compatibility testing and were subsequently transfused at SMH. Median patient age at data abstraction was 70 years (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 18) and 35 (56 %) were female. RBC alloantibodies were found in 23 transfused patients (36.5 %) and were predominantly directed against Rh and Kell antigens: Anti-E (65 %), Anti-K (39 %) and Anti-c (22 %) were most common. Excluding an outlier who received 611 RBC units during the study period, the mean number of RBC units transfused per HHT patient at SMH was 22.1 units (Standard Deviation: 40.9, IQR: 17). Six (9.5 %) transfused patients experienced at least one transfusion reaction. ConclusionRBC alloimmunization rate was 36.5 % in our cohort of transfused HHT patients; this is much higher than described in the general population and another transfused HHT cohort. The most commonly observed alloantibodies were Rh and Kell, supporting our policy of prophylactic phenotypic matching for these antigens for all transfused patients with HHT.

Genotyping for Weak and Partial D Rh Status to Optimize Usage of Limited Blood Supplies

Abstract Introduction The Rh antigen group, expressed on erythrocytes and encoded by highly polymorphic RHD and RHCE genes on chromosome 1 (1p36-p34), is notable in transfusion medicine due to its high polymorphism, strong immunogenicity and ability to cause hemolytic transfusion reactions in patients and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The D antigen specifically contains multiple epitopes with variations that include decreased expression (weak D) or loss of certain epitopes (partial D) which expose patients to risk of alloimmunization depending on the subtype of the Rh(D) antigen. Hence, serologic weak D testing followed by molecular testing is not performed except for donors testing negative for Rh(D) antigen and newborns typing negative for Rh(D) and born to Rh(D) negative mothers. Given the current shortages of blood supplies, understanding patients’ genotypes in the context of weak or partial D-typing and risk of alloimmunization can be essential in the management of increasingly limited supplies of red blood cell (RBC) units. Objective To further characterize patients that initially type negative for Rh(D) but positive for weak D with molecular testing to investigate risk of alloimmunization, retype the Rh(D) and avoid unnecessary use of Rh(D) negative RBC units during critical shortages of RBC units. Methods We collected the results of ABO/Rh(D) typing for patients with negative Rh(D) testing but positive weak D test over a period of four weeks in December 2023 and had D-variant molecular testing performed by a reference laboratory. Initial serologic ABO/Rh(D) was performed in tube followed by weak D testing by indirect Coombs test in tube. Results The total number of patients who initially tested negative for Rh(D) but positive (weak to +4) for weak-D was three patients. Two patients showed a probable genotype of RHD*01W.1 (RHD* weak type 1, 809T&amp;gt;G (V270G)) homozygous which indicated the presence of weak D+ type 1. Patients with weak D+ type 1 can receive Rh(D) positive red cell units, and they are not at risk of alloimmunization and developing anti-D. The third patient showed a probable genotype RHD*DVI type 2 homozygous (lack of Rh(D) exons 4 through 6) and indicated the presence of partial D antigen. Patients with partial D antigen should receive RH(D) negative red cell units as they are at risk of alloimmunization and developing anti-D. Conclusions Although the vast majority of Transfusion Medicine services do not perform the serologic weak D test with reflex to molecular testing, characterizing patients who test negative with initial serologic Rh(D) testing with serologic and molecular D-tests may aid in retyping the Rh(D) of patients during critical shortages, particularly for patients with ABO blood group O.

Lost in the Ds: Unexplained Loss of Rh(D) Antigen Expression By Serological Testing In Two Patients

Abstract Introduction/Objective While the loss of ABOH antigens has been well documented, reduced-to-absent expression of the RHD antigen is comparatively rare. Here, we describe two cases with D antigen loss presenting associated clinical settings, smear results, and red blood cell (RBC) genotyping findings to elucidate this unusual phenomenon. Methods/Case Report Cases (n=2) were retrospectively reviewed based on discovery during routine serological testing in our Blood Bank. RhD blood typing was performed via gel methods [Grifols, Los Angeles, CA]. Clinical information and laboratory data were extracted via the electronic medical record. Case 1 is a 79-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer. She initially typed as D positive (4+) in at least two separate analyses, but her D front type progressively became weaker until turning entirely negative after several weeks. Spherocytes and stomatocytes were present on her peripheral blood smear. This patient received 10 D+ red blood cell (RBC) units without anti-D formation. RBC genotyping revealed traditional “dce” by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Case 2 is a 61-year-old male with a history of pre-B acute lymphocytic leukemia post-stem cell transplant, myelodysplastic syndrome, and progressive loss of D antigen expression (4+ to 0). Standard RBC genotyping revealed “Dce” by PCR. The peripheral blood smear was significant for RBC anisopoikilocytosis with increased stomatocytes, spherocytes, and ovalocytes. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion The disappearance of the D antigen is rare, and our experience suggests an association between malignancies (both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic) and D antigenic loss. Beyond these disease associations, however, loss of RhD is not otherwise readily explained in either case. Further analysis to test for other RHAG and RHCE mutational variants is an ongoing area of investigation in these cases, as more sensitive testing may reconcile the traditional PCR results with our initial detection of the D antigen.

A 6-month Review of O pRBC Utilization in Non-O Blood Type Patients in a Level 1 Trauma Center

Abstract Introduction/Objective Using O pRBCs for non-O patients for acute events is not unusual in a level 1 trauma hospital. However, we occasionally utilize this blood type to meet the needs of our patients that are not acutely bleeding. In this study, we evaluated the utilization of O units in non-O patients to improve our transfusion practices. Methods/Case Report We reviewed the indications of the O pRBCs transfused to non-O patients from October 2023 to March 2024. We evaluated the number of units used in acute events such as massive transfusion protocol (MTP), acute blood loss, sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in crises, bleeding associated with surgery and in patients with symptomatic anemia. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) There were 258 O pRBCs transfused to non-O blood type from October 2023 to March 2024. 135(52%) of these units were used for bleeding patients, of which 91%(124/135) were used for acute events. Most of the units utilized for acute hemorrhage had activated MTP (92%, 89/124) due to trauma (88%, 78/89). Only 12%(31/258) were used by SCD patients, with a little over half of these units being used acutely and the rest used prophylactically. About 69% of the 16 units used in surgery were due to bleeding. Lastly, 76 units (29%) were used for symptomatic anemia patients with 45% of these units transfused for anemia of prematurity. Conclusion In a level 1 trauma hospital, advocating for conserving O units is crucial to ensure enough units are available for trauma. As anticipated, acute bleeding was found to be the leading cause for patients with non-O blood types to receive O pRBCs. Notably, the prevalence of using O units for acute and prophylactic transfusion is relatively the same for SCD patients and phenotypically matching the Rh and Kell systems likely plays a role.

Perioperative selection of blood and components for substitution: Immunohaematological assessment of immunization risk and methods for selection of optimally compatible blood

The aim of this study is to assess the risk for immune and hematologic adverse events in perioperative transfusion of blood components. Our second goal is to propose methods for the selection of an optimally compatible donor in order to limit the negative impact of complications following blood component transfusion on the hospital outcome of patients admitted to clinics of general, gastrointestinal, thoracic, and vascular surgery. The largest group of patients included in this study were patients with gastrointestinal disorders (614 patients; 31%) and patients with diseases of the organs of the blood and lymphatic system (589 patients; 30%). This was followed by patients with diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (368 patients; 18%) and patients with benign and malignant neoplasms (365 patients; 18%). The remaining 65 patients (3%) were diagnosed with diseases of the endocrine system, trauma patients, and patients with genitourinary disorders. The methods used for optimal selection of compatible blood components in this study are enzyme tests, Coombs tests, and tests in agglutinating medium. The study shows that clinically significant antibodies, which could provoke a post-transfusion hemolytic reaction, were detected in 4.3% of the screened patients. In the majority of patients, the specificity of antierythrocyte antibodies cannot be established. For those patients where the specificity of anti-erythrocyte antibodies could be established, the type of antibody and the antigen system to which it belonged were as follows (in descending order): 1. Anti-erythrocyte antibodies belonging to the Rh system: 37% (n = 17) of all screened patients (1.6% of all patients), including anti-E type (5 patients), anti-D (8 patients), anti-C-1, anti-C (2 patients), and anti-Cw (1 patient). 2. In 3 (6% or anti-erythrocyte antibodies belonging to other erythrocyte antigen systems—Kidd-1 patients, Lewis-2 patients—6% of the screened patients (0.3% of all patients). 3. In 57% (n = 26) of those screened (2.4% of all patients), alloantibodies without any known specificity were identified. The largest number of identified antibodies were directed against the D antigen belonging to the Rh system. Most of the anti-D alloantibodies found in Rhesus D (-) negative patients with no history of prior transfusion of D (+) positive red blood cell (RBC) concentrate possibly have resulted from prior Rh isoimmunization during pregnancy, provided that anti-D antibodies persist for a long time after birth—in some of the studied patients, 15–20 or more years. A greater number of alloimmunizations were found in women—28 (61%), compared to men—18 (39%), due to previous sensitization with different blood group antigens during pregnancy. This study shows that timely diagnosis is essential for the selection of appropriate RBC concentrate, for the avoidance of adverse reactions, and for the improvement of hematological parameters after transfusion of blood components. Graphical abstract:

A cross-sectional pilot study to estimate the frequency of minor blood group alleles and phenotypes in RhD-negative North Indian blood donors by DNA microarray analysis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: There are scarce data on Indian blood donors with respect to blood group phenotypes using molecular diagnostic modalities. Hence, we planned to estimate frequencies of blood group alleles/phenotypes using DNA microarray analysis in the north Indian RhD-negative blood donor population. With this initial pilot study, we plan to expand it to our entire donor population. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 50 Indian blood donors (O RhD negative), to study the blood group genotype frequency. Genotyping for the most relevant red blood cell antigens (Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS, Lutheran, and Dombrock) was done using Bioarray Precise TypeHM Human Erythrocyte Antigen BeadChip kit containing probes directed to polymorphic sites. RESULTS: In the Rh system, the most common alleles were RHCE*e/RHCE*e (98%) and RHCE*c/RHCE*c (80%). Phenotype K-k+ (genotype- KEL*02/KEL*02) was seen in 98% of samples, Js(a-b+) (KEL*02.07/KEL*02.07) was detected in 98% (49/50) of the samples tested. Jk(a + b+) (JK*01/JK*02) was the most common phenotype (48%) in the Kidd blood group system. In MNSs system, M+N+ (GYPA*01/GYPA*02) 44% and S+s+U+ (GYPB*03/GYPB*04) 34% were the most common phenotypes detected. CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows the feasibility of genotyping a Northern Indian donor population. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study on molecular blood grouping in Indian blood donors using the Bioarray platform.

AB0 Blood Group Phenotypes and Rhesus Factor in The Pathogenesis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: Some AB0 blood group phenotypes may be considered as risk factors in the pathogenesis of both type II diabetes mellitus (DM) and type I DM. The aim of this research was to investigate whether there is a relation between AB0 blood group phenotypes and Rhesus (Rh) factor and the occurrence of the disease in pregnant female diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Method: This research was case-control research, and the data were analyzed retrospectively. Pregnant women who were admitted to a research and teaching hospital for one year and underwent a 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were included in the research. Pregnant females diagnosed with GDM according to OGTT results were separated into two groups as case group and healthy pregnant females as control group. Result: The prevalence of GDM was found to be 15.94% in a one-year data review. The mean age of pregnant females with GDM was higher than healthy pregnant females (p0.05). Rh factor positivity of both groups was not different (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, no association was found between the pathogenesis of GDM and AB0 blood group phenotypes and Rh factor.

Analysis of RhC Antigen Weak Expression Combined with Mimicking Autoanti-Ce and Homologous Anti-Jkb Causing Mismatch

To investigate the reasons for the weak expression of RHCE gene in a patient whose mimicking anti-Ce combined with anti-Jkb caused cross-matching non-combination. ABO, Rh, and Kidd blood group antigens were identified by test tube method and capillary centrifugation. Antibody screening and antibody specificity identification were performed using saline, polybrene and antiglobulin in tri-media association with multispectral cells. RHCE gene sequencing and haploid analysis were performed by multiplex PCR technique and RHCE protein modeling was performed using Swiss-Model. The serum of the patient contained anti-Ce mimicking autoantibodies along with anti-Jkb antibodies. c.48G>C, c.150C>T, c.178C>A, c.201A>G, c.203A>G, and c.307C>T mutations were detected in the RHCE triple-molecule sequencing. A 109 bp insertion sequence was found in intron 2, with fragment loss from intron 5-8. The Rh-group genotype was DCe/DCe , and phenotype was CCDee. Genotyping techniques can assist in deducing the molecular mechanisms of some weakly expressed RhC, c, E, and e in patients' sera to aid in the identification of difficult antibodies and thus ensure the safety of patients' blood transfusion.

Potential Relationship between ABO Blood Group and COVID-19 Susceptibility

Numerous research have looked into the potential relationship between blood group systems and the severity of COVID-19, with varying degrees of success. However, depending on how common the Rh and ABO blood types are in a given community, their correlations with COVID-19 may also vary. Thus, in order to explore this relationship more thoroughly and give population-based data to the global scientific community, we carried out this study on Iraqi people. Methodology: Every patient who arrived at Al-Shatra General Hospital in the province of Thi-Qar between December 2022 and June 2023 had their data examined. One hundred participants, ranging in age from eighty to eighty, made up the study. Their hospital medical records were used to determine their ABO, Rh type, and COVID-19 positive. Result: The total number of patients was 100, and males constituted 56% of this population. Among the 100 patients, 19% were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus while 34% had hypertension. From the findings, it was noted that A+, B+, and O+ blood types had more occurrences of COVID-19 positive cases. Interestingly, the percentage of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 was higher at 58% among those with hypertension and lower at 42% among those with diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The relationship between blood types and COVID-19 infection is a multifaceted dynamic that encompasses various factors, including comorbidities, age, sex, and the distribution of blood groups within a population. It has been observed that individuals with hypertension are more prone to experiencing elevated rates of COVID-19.

Frequency of ABO, Rh and Kell Blood Group among Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Blood group antigens play an essential role in transfusion safety and in avoiding the risk of alloimmunization. The ABO, Rh and Kell blood group systems are the most clinically important. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of ABO, Rh and Kell blood groups among blood donors in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among blood donors in Brazzaville, republic of Congo, from June 2021 to November 2022. The blood samples were tested for ABO, Rh and Kell antigens by standard tube agglutination method. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0. Results: A total of 350 participants were included, of which 258(73.7%) of donors were males and 92 (26.3%) females. The antigen frequencies of ABO and Rh(D) blood group system showed that O was the most prevalent blood group 46.8% followed by A (28.9%), B (16.9%), and AB (7.4%). The Rh-positive donors were more prevalent (94.86%) as oppose to the Rh-negative (5.14%). The most common Rh phenotype is the Dccee (64.86%) while the rarest phenotype is the dCcee (0.86%). The prevalence of K and k antigen was 0.9% and 99.1%, respectively. Conclusion: This study determined the phenotypic variability of ABO and Rh blood group antigens with low prevalence of Kell antigen. The extensive phenotypic status of Rh and Kell systems in blood donors is important for the efficient management of blood banks and transfusion services.

DIAGNÓSTICO E MONITORAMENTO DA ERITROBLASTOSE FETAL: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA

The text addresses fetal erythroblastosis, a serious condition resulting from blood incompatibility between mother and fetus, generally due to the Rh factor. Initially, the discovery of the ABO and Rh blood systems is discussed, highlighting the importance of the latter for understanding the disease. Objective: to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of fetal erythroblastosis, focusing on Rh incompatibility, thereby analyzing the impacts of fetal erythroblastosis on health of the fetus and newborn.Methods: The work is a bibliographical review where topics such as pathophysiology, diagnosis and prevention of the disease studied were researched.Conclusion: Diagnosis is essential, being done through prenatal exams, such as the Coombs test, which detects the presence of maternal antibodies against fetal antigens. Treatment includes administration of anti-Rh immunoglobulin to prevent the mother’s sensitization to the baby’s Rh factor. Prevention also involves the administration of this immunoglobulin during pregnancy and after birth, if necessary, to avoid future complications and ensure the baby’s safety.

Blood Group Distribution and Effect of Rhesus Factor on Bleeding Time and Clotting Time of First-year Undergraduate Medical Students

Blood Group Distribution and Effect of Rhesus Factor on Bleeding Time and Clotting Time of First-year Undergraduate Medical Students

Examination of the relationship between ABO/Rh blood groups and dietary compliance in children with coeliac disease: A single-centre experience.

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy that develops upon ingestion of food containing gluten. The established link between ABO blood groups and numerous infectious and non-infectious illnesses prompted this investigation into blood group distribution and its relationship with dietary compliance among children diagnosed with CD. In this retrospective study, patients with CD who were followed for ≥1 year at the paediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic of our hospital were evaluated. History, physical examination and coeliac serology results were reviewed for each patient. Patients were divided into two groups based on self-reported compliance to a gluten-free diet: diet-adherent and non-diet-adherent. Patient and control groups were examined in terms of ABO blood groups. A total of 177 patients with CD were included in the study. A control group of 211 age- and sex-matched children without any chronic disease who had undergone blood group testing for various reasons was included for comparison. A total of 65% (n = 115) of the patients were girls, and 35% (n = 62) were boys. No significant relationship was found between CD diagnosis and ABO blood groups among patients (P = 0.559). Furthermore, the dietary compliance status of the patients was not associated with any specific blood group (P = 0.951). No notable difference was found between patients with CD with or without gluten-free diet compliance in terms of the distribution of ABO blood groups and Rhesus (Rh) factor. Therefore, it can be inferred that all blood groups and subgroups carry an equal risk for CD.

Lack of association of ABO and RhD blood groups with COVID-19 mortality: A 2-center cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

Several diseases, including both noninfectious diseases and bacterial and viral diseases, are associated with the ABO and RH blood group systems. Previous studies have shown a link between blood type and the probability of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In this study, we aimed to explore the correlation between deaths caused by COVID-19 and ABO and RhD blood types in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional observational study, data from COVID-19 patients were collected from 2 major hospitals treating COVID-19 in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, between March 2020 and November 2021. The association between ABO and RhD blood types and COVID-19 outcomes was investigated. A total of 2302 real-time polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study; a chi-square test was used to determine the statistical significance of the data. Of the 2302 enrolled patients, 1008 (43.8%) had blood type O, 677 (29.41%) had blood type A, 502 (21.8%) had blood type B, and 115 (5%) had blood type AB. Of the patients, 2143 (93.1%) were RhD-positive. The O-positive blood type had the highest mortality rate among COVID-19-infected patients, whereas the AB-negative type had the lowest. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between blood type (ABO or RhD) and COVID-19-based susceptibility or mortality. In conclusion, we found no association between ABO and RhD blood types and either susceptibility to or mortality due to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943): A Versatile Blood Scientist.

Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943) was an Austrian-American biologist, physician, and immunologist whose groundbreaking discoveries revolutionized the fields of transfusion medicine, immunology, and virology. His most famous work was the identification of the ABO blood group system in 1901, which explained the causes of transfusion reactions and laid the foundation for safe blood transfusions. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930. Landsteiner continued his research, identifying the MN and P blood group system in 1927 and the Rh blood group system in 1940, which addressed the complexities of the Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). His work on the poliovirus in 1908, in collaboration with Erwin Popper, established the infectious nature of the disease and laid the groundwork for future vaccine development. Landsteiner's versatility as a scientist is evident in the breadth of his work, spanning hematology, immunology, and virology. His ability to navigate diverse fields and see connections between them allowed him to make pioneering discoveries that have had a lasting impact on medical practice, particularly in blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and immunotherapy. Landsteiner's legacy as the "Father of Transfusion Medicine" is reinforced by the standardization of blood typing procedures, which have saved millions of lives worldwide.