Rh Blood Research Articles

RH genotypes and red cell alloimmunization rates in chronically transfused patients with sickle cell disease: A multisite study in the USA.

Red cell alloimmunization remains a challenge for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and contributes to increased risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions and associated comorbidities. Despite prophylactic serological matching for ABO, Rh, and K, red cell alloimmunization persists, in part, due to a high frequency of variant RH alleles in patients with SCD and Black blood donors. We compared RH genotypes and rates of alloimmunization in 342 pediatric and young adult patients with SCD on chronic transfusion therapy exposed to >90,000 red cell units at five sites across the USA. Genotyping was performed with RHD and RHCE BeadChip arrays and targeted assays. Prevalence of overall and Rh-specific alloimmunization varied among institutions, ranging from 5% to 41% (p = .0035) and 5%-33% (p = .0002), respectively. RH genotyping demonstrated that 33% RHD and 57% RHCE alleles were variant in this cohort. Patients with RHCE alleles encoding partial e antigens had higher rates of anti-e identified than those encoding at least one conventional e antigen (p = .0007). There was no difference in anti-D, anti-C, or anti-E formation among patients with predicted partial or altered antigen expression compared to those with conventional antigens, suggesting that variant Rh on donor cells may also stimulate alloimmunization to these antigens. These results highlight variability in alloimmunization rates and suggest that a molecular approach to Rh antigen matching may be necessary for optimal prevention of alloimmunization given the high prevalence of variant RH alleles among both patients and Black donors.

Distribution of ABO and RH Blood Groups among Blood Donors in Jiblah University Hospital in IBB Province, Yemen

Background: The ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group system are the most important blood group systems in Transfusion Medicine, genetic studies and in legal medicine study. The distribution of the ABO and Rhesus blood groups is vital for the effective operation and planning of blood banks and secure blood transfusion services. Objective: To determine the distribution of ABO Rh blood groups among blood donors in Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb province, Yemen. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Blood bank of Jiblah university hospital in Ibb city, Yemen from January 2021 to August 2023. Blood groups typing of 4853 blood donors was carried out using Slide Agglutination (antigenantibody) method with antisera anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D. Age and sex of participants were considered. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: The most common blood group was O (55.54%) and AB was the least common (1.71%). The prevalence of Rhpositive and Rh-negative was 80% and 20% respectively. There were statistically significant association between ABO blood groups and Rh blood group (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The overall phenotypic frequencies of ABO blood groups were O>A>B>AB and O+>A+>O->B+>A- >AB+>B->AB- was found to be the order of blood group frequency in the current study. There was a statistical association between ABO blood group system and Rh system

Distribution of ABO-Rh Blood Group System Among the Students at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Pakistan

Background: The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups significantly varies across different populations and is crucial for effective blood bank management and transfusion services. Previous studies have shown diverse patterns in blood group distribution globally, influenced by regional, ethnic, and demographic factors. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among the student population at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Sindh, Pakistan, and to understand its implications for local healthcare services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 253 students (133 males and 120 females) aged 18 to 24 years. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study employed a sterile lancet for blood sample collection via a finger prick. Blood group phenotyping was done using the slide method with monoclonal antiserum A, B, and D. Agglutination results were recorded to determine the ABO blood group and Rh factor. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: The study found that 21.7% of students belonged to blood group A (49.1% Rh positive and 5.5% Rh negative in males, 40% Rh positive and 5.5% Rh negative in females), 35.2% to blood group B (38.2% Rh positive and 6.7% Rh negative in males, 52.8% Rh positive and 2.3% Rh negative in females), 11.1% to blood group AB (57.1% Rh positive in males, 39.3% Rh positive in females), and 32.0% to blood group O (54.3% Rh positive and 2.5% Rh negative in males, 38.3% Rh positive and 4.9% Rh negative in females). Conclusion: The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in the student population at SALU exhibits a distinct pattern, emphasizing the importance of regional studies in blood group distribution. These findings have significant implications for blood bank management, transfusion services, and healthcare planning in the region.

Frequency of Rh and Kell antigens among blood donors: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary care center in Eastern India

Objectives: The phenotyping of Rh and Kell antigens plays a major role in preventing alloimmunization and adverse events in multi-transfused patients. This study tries to highlight the frequency of Rh and Kell antigens among the blood donors who donated blood at a tertiary care center located in Eastern India. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, from January 2021 to March 2023 on 10,032 whole blood donors of blood groups A, B, O, and AB by column agglutination technique using gel cards for blood grouping and phenotyping. Results: A total of 10,032 whole blood donors of groups A, B, O, and AB were included in the study. The frequency of “D” antigen was 95.77% (n = 9,608), “C” was 90.47% (n = 9,076), “c” was 50.47% (n = 5,063), “E” was 15.9% (n = 1,595), “e” was 99% (n = 9,932), and “K” was 2.67% (n = 268). “c” antigen frequency was 45.81–49.48% in RhD positive blood groups and 100% in all the RhD negative blood groups while “C” antigen frequency was 92.04–94.68% in RhD positive blood groups, and 4–24.13% in RhD negative blood groups. Conclusion: Since pre-transfusion phenotyping in multi-transfusion patients is not routinely practiced, transfusion of at least Rh and Kell phenotyped donor red cells can lead to a great decrease in the risk of alloimmunization and adverse events related to transfusion.

Distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in gynecological cancer cases

Aims: To investigate the relationship between blood type and gynecological cancers (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical). Methods: In the study, between 2017 and 2022, 457 patient files who underwent surgery for gynecological cancer at İstanbul Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşçıoğlu City Hospital were reviewed. Seventy-eight of these files were excluded from the study due to missing data. Out of the remaining files, 379 were considered suitable for the study. Twenty-five of these were further excluded due to being cases of other gynecological cancers. A total of 354 patients were included in the study (n=354). Participants' sociodemographic data such as age and gender, cancer type, and blood groups (ABO-Rh) were retrospectively collected from patient records and the hospital automation system. Cases with missing data or inaccessible sociodemographic records were excluded from the study. The study was planned retrospectively and observationally. Gynecological cancers were examined in the three most common groups: ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer. The patients' blood group, Rh status, and pathology reports were analyzed. Based on the pathological diagnosis, three groups were initially formed, and below them, Rh and blood group status were noted. The blood group and Rh status in cancer groups were first presented in numbers and then calculated as percentages. Results: The AB+ ratio in cervical cancers was statistically significantly higher compared to the reference article and endometrial cancers (p=0.021, p=0.049). Conclusion: There are studies indicating a significant relationship between blood groups and various diseases. The expression of blood group antigens on blood cells and other epithelial surfaces acting as receptors or signal transducers contributes to these findings. The possibility of ABO antigens serving as receptors in tumor structures caused by infections, such as cervical cancer, should not be overlooked. In this regard, the significantly higher prevalence of cervical cancer in individuals with AB Rh (+) blood type, carrying A, B, and Rh antigens, can be explained concerning the population.

Association between ABO and Rh blood groups and Toxoplasma gondii infection: A cross sectional study.

We aimed to determine the association between the seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii and the ABO and Rh blood groups in 2,053 people. ABO and Rhesus blood groups and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were determined using commercially available assays. Of the 2,053 people studied, 171(8.3%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Sixty-five (38.0%) and 36 (21.1%) of these 171 individuals had high anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels (≥150 IU mL-1) and anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies, respectively. We found the following prevalences of T. gondii infection among the ABO groups: 8.5% in group A, 4.3% in group B, 4.7% in group AB, and 8.9% in group O (P = 0.19). The prevalences of T. gondii infection among Rh groups were: 8.4% in the Rh-positive group and 7.1% in theRh-negative group (P = 0.58). Logistic regression analysis showed that the frequencies of ABO andRh blood groups were similar (P > 0.05) among people with positive and negative serology for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, with high (≥150 IU mL-1) and lower (<150 IU mL-1) levels of anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies, and with positive and negative serology for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Results does not support an association between T. gondii infection and ABO and Rh blood groups.

Frequency and causes of blood chimera in combat trauma victims

The frequency and causes of blood chimeras in victims of combat trauma who arrived from special military operations were analyzed. Data from immunohematological studies of patients admitted to the clinics of the Military Medical Academy named after S. M. Kirov in the period from February to December 2022 were analyzed. All patients were assessed for blood group membership by AV0 systems and Rh factor with phenotyping of erythrocytes and the presence of antierythrocyte antibodies. Chimerism was found in 21% of the patients. According to the AB0 system, general chimerism was detected in 3. 1% of cases, whereas blood chimerisms for antigens A and B were found in 81. 8% and 36. 4% of the cases, respectively. Moreover, blood chimerism for antigens C, c, E, and e was detected in 100% of the cases, and for antigen D, the rate of chimerism was 7. 6%. The identified chimerism in the patients was caused by the use of “universal” doses of erythrocyte blood components by advanced medical service units. In general, the frequency of blood chimerism in victims of combat trauma in the clinics of the Military Medical Academy named after S. M. Kirov was 21%. Blood chimerism in combat trauma victims did not lead to significant immunization. Despite the absence of detected immunization, blood chimerism was a favorable background for possible hemolytic posttransfusion complications during treatment. Possible options for the prevention of blood chimerism include the introduction into practice of advanced use of artificial oxygen carriers, active use of hardware support for reinfusion of blood spilled into the cavity, and preparation of autokrovi for certain patients. These measures are aimed at reducing the number of transfusions of donor blood components, thereby preventing the formation of antierythrocyte antibodies and blood chimeras.

The Blood Group Rhc Protein from Human Erythrocyte Membranes as an Immunogen for Producing Antibodies in Mice

Background: Various methods have been used to isolate red blood cell (RBC) membrane antigens. In this regard, obtaining the antigen and preserving its structure is of special importance. However, limited studies have been conducted to purify cellular membrane antigens such as Rh proteins.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Rhc antigens of the RBC membrane was purified. Here, the RBC membrane was solubilized through the lysis buffer. Next, dialysis and affinity chromatography were performed using polyclonal anti-human RhCcEe antibody to isolate Rhc/e antigens from the RBCs with the following blood group characteristics: Rhc+, RhC-, Rhe+, and RhE-. The purified proteins were evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and dot blot methods. The immunization process was performed in Balb/c mice using the Rhc antigen as an immunogen. After the last injection, the mouse serum was used to titrate antibodies.&#x0D; Results: Protein bands of the purified antigen were observed in the silver-stained SDS-PAGE gel (region of 25-35 kDa). The OD405nm = 0.56 ± 0.05 results showed the reactivity with Rhc antibody. The specificity of the purified protein was evaluated using the dot blot assay. The anti-sera titration was greater than 1/10,000 against Rhc-coated microwells. Rh antigens can be isolated from the RBC membrane using the non-ionic NP-40 detergent and affinity chromatography.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Rh antigen can be isolated from the RBC membrane with proper purity by solubilization with the non-ionic NP-40 detergent and purification by affinity chromatography. It seems that the membrane antigen maintains its antigenicity and structure. As a result, it can be detected by blood group-specific antibodies used in the hemagglutination method. Purified antigens may be used to generate antibodies or to study the protein structure.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection and ABO Blood Group Assessment: Tertiary Hospital Study in India.

People with certain blood groups and Rh positive are more prone to infections transmitted by blood transfusion. The aim of this research was to survey the accompaniment of ABO Blood Group System and Rh type with infection to hepatitis C virus in India. This was a retrospective study in patients during October 2019-March2022 in India. The population of blood donors was tested for blood borne infections, including HCV. Logistic regression was used and collected data were analyzed using SPSS v.16.A total number of 901 people referred to the organization for donating blood during aforementioned years. Of these, 224 people had a history of hepatitis C disease, including 189 unmarried persons and the rest were married. 167 individuals were males and 57individuals were females. People who had viral diseases were comprised of 76 persons with negative Rh and 148positive persons with Rh.Future aims should include studies into blood groups and Rh types, according to the results of this study, in order to avoid the spread of blood-borne infections. Furthermore, further study is needed to establish the particular blood kinds that provide an elevated danger for classified donors.

ABO/Rh Blood Group and Cervical Cancer Survival: Results from Our Own and Other Studies.

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common genital cancer worldwide and is mainly caused by a persistent human papillomavirus infection. Well-known prognostic factors are age, histology, stage, stromal invasion, tumor size, and tumor grade. The relationship between the ABO and Rh system with cervical cancer has been studied since the 1950s, though without obtaining clear results. Here we investigated the association between the ABO blood group and Rh system and consecutively treated cervical cancer patients in our department. Methods: Clinical charts of cervical cancer patients treated and followed from 2010 to 2021 were checked for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical and pathological data were recorded in a separate, anonymous, password-protected electronic database. All relevant data were extrapolated and used for final analysis. Results: A population of 143 cervical cancer patients was analyzed in this study. 47.6% (68/143) were blood group O, 36.4% (52/143) were blood group A, 8.4% (12/143) were blood group AB, and 7.7% (11/143) were blood group B. 14.9% (21/141) were RhD negative, while 85.1% (120/141) were RhD positive. No significant association was found between the ABO group and survival. However, patients with blood types B and AB had a higher BMI than the other blood types. RhD-negative patients exhibited a lower age at diagnosis (P=0.035) and had a higher overall survival compared to RhD-positive patients. Conclusions: The RhD factor appears to influence cervical cancer OS, but the data are too weakly significant to draw a definitive conclusion. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm this finding and to investigate the true impact of blood groups in female cancers.

Comparison of the Detection Rate and Specificity of Irregular Red Blood Cell Antibodies Between First-Time Pregnant Women and Women With a History of Multiple Pregnancies Among 18,010 Chinese Women.

Background: There is insufficient evidence to assess the risk of the production of clinically important alloimmune irregular red blood cell (RBC) antibodies in first-time pregnant women. Methods: Using the microcolumn gel antiglobulin method, 18,010 Chinese women with a history of pregnancy and pregnant women were screened for irregular RBC antibodies, and for those with positive test results, antibody specificity was determined. The detection rate and specificity of irregular RBC antibodies in women with a history of multiple pregnancies (two or more) and first-time pregnant women were determined. Results: In addition to 25 patients who passively acquired anti-D antibodies via an intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin injection, irregular RBC antibodies were detected in 121 (0.67%) of the 18,010 women. Irregular RBC antibodies were detected in 93 (0.71%) of the 13,027 women with a history of multiple pregnancies, and antibody specificity was distributed mainly in the Rh, MNSs, Lewis, and Kidd blood group systems; irregular RBC antibodies were detected in 28 (0.56%) of the 4983 first-time pregnant women, and the antibody specificity was distributed mainly in the MNSs, Rh, and Lewis blood group systems. The difference in the percentage of patients with irregular RBC antibodies between the two groups was insignificant (χ 2 = 1.248, P > 0.05). Of the 121 women with irregular RBC antibodies, nine had anti-Mur antibodies, and one had anti-Dia antibodies; these antibodies are clinically important but easily missed because the antigenic profile of the reagent RBCs that are commonly used in antibody screens does not include the antigens that are recognized by these antibodies. Conclusion: Irregular RBC antibody detection is clinically important for both pregnant women with a history of multiple pregnancies and first-time pregnant women. Mur and Dia should be included in the antigenic profile of reagent RBCs that are used for performing antibody screens in the Chinese population.

Rh and Kell phenotyping in voluntary blood donors: A study from a tertiary care blood center of western India.

In human beings, there are 45 blood group systems and 360 antigens currently recognized by ISBT (July 2023). The Rh blood group system has 56 antigens, out of them 5 antigens D, C, c, E, and e are clinically significant antigens. The Kell blood group system has 25 highly immunogenic antigens. Cases have been reported where IgG-type of antibodies against Rh and Kell antigens are found which are responsible for transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of newborn. To study the prevalence of Rh-Kell phenotype in voluntary blood donors, To provide Rh and Kell antigen-matched blood products to patients to prevent alloimmunization, To make a donor directory of Rh and Kell phenotyped donors for further use. The antigen typing for Rh antigens (D, C, c, E, and e) and Kell (K) was performed on the collected ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples from 1014 voluntary donors. The test was performed by Erythrocyte Magnetic Technique using a microplate (DuoLys) in a fully automated immunohematology system (Diagast Qwalys Evo 3 instrument). From 1014 phenotyped donors, the most common antigen frequency was of "e" (98.6%) followed by "D"(96.2%),"C"(89.4%), "c"(54.8%), and "E"(18.6%). The frequency of the "K" antigen was (1.38%). The most common Rh phenotype from the study population was R1R1(CDe/CDe) (45%) and the rarest was r'r' (Ce/Ce) (0.1%). Knowledge of the phenotype frequency in the local population is helpful in making a donor directory, In situations where clinically significant alloantibodies are found in patient's serum, antigen-negative blood unit can be arranged using a donor directory.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Malnutrition and Hypertension among University Students in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Malnutrition and hypertension are widespread among university students, with dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles playing significant roles. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors linked to malnutrition and hypertension in Southwest Nigeria’s university population. Methods: Conducted from January 2018 to December 2022, a cross-sectional study was undertaken at Lead City University in South-West Nigeria. Medical records of 5110 enrolled students were analyzed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition and hypertension within the university population. Data encompassing demographic information and health metrics were examined for this study. Results: A study of 5110 participants, mean age (23.57+14.89), female sex (54.1%), blood group O prevalence (53.6%), Rhesus negative (4.9%), and genotype AA prevalence (73.6%). The average weight was 67.17+ 15.18 kg and height of 1.67+ 0.93 meters. Hypertension prevalence was at 8.7%, while malnutrition is 42.7%. Among the participants, 3% were anemic while the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 115.93+15.26 and 73.52+17.43 respectively. Male sex was significant factor in hypertension and malnutrition (p &lt; 0.001). PCV levels lack significant associations, while BMI categories strongly correlate with hypertension (p &lt; 0.001). Discussion: The demographic profile reveals a youthful population vulnerable to behaviors impacting long-term health. With malnutrition prevalence at 47.2%, significant health concerns arise, while the relatively low hypertension rate of 8.7% is promising but requires ongoing monitoring. Age is a notable risk factor for hypertension, stressing targeted interventions for older adults. Sex disparities highlight the need for sex-specific healthcare. Blood group, Rhesus factor, and genotype lack significant associations with hypertension, while hypertension prevalence varies across packed cell volume levels. BMI strongly links to hypertension, highlighting obesity management’s importance. Conclusion: Understanding demographic factors and health metrics is crucial for developing effective interventions to address malnutrition and hypertension risks within populations.

Prevalence and identification of irregular erythrocyte antibodies in voluntary blood donors in the territory of southeast Serbia

Background/Aim. The purpose of tests for transmittable diseases, as well as determining ABO group, Rh typing, and the presence of clinically significant erythrocyte antibodies, is to enable the appropriate selection of blood/blood components for transfusion, to prevent or minimize adverse effects of transfusion, and to identify donors whose units of blood/components are not suitable for transfusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of irregular erythrocyte antibodies as well as to determine the specificity and origin of these antibodies in voluntary donors. Methods. This prospective observational study, conducted from January until July 2023, included samples of voluntary blood donors (BDs) for antibody screening in the population of voluntary BDs in the territory of Southeast Serbia. A total of 23,082 samples from healthy BD were examined through this period. Results. The overall prevalence of irregular anti-erythrocyte antibodies was 0.1125%, with anti-K, anti-D, and anti-E being the most frequently identified alloantibodies. Out of a total of 26 donors with positive screening results, 11 (42.32%) had alloantibodies, and 15 (57.68%) had antibodies of undetermined specificity. A positive antibody test was observed more frequently in male donors, and the age range of 51 years and above accounted for the majority of positive cases. Conclusion. Immunohematological testing, including antibody screening in voluntary BDs, is important for safe blood transfusion and is of great clinical importance. Likewise, it reduces the risk of complications due to incompatible transfusions.

Distribution of ABO, RhD Blood Group among Secondary School Students at Bishops Girls Secondary School Rushere Kiruhura Southwestern Uganda

ABO and Rhesus blood group antigens are inherited genetic markers in human blood. Haemoglobin is an efficient transporter of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs for exhalation. The study was to determine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood groups among secondary school female students. The blood samples of 107 secondary school students at Bishops girls’ Secondary School Rushere kiruhura Southwestern Uganda between July to August, 2023 were collected and their haemoglobin genotypes were determined using HemoTypeSC™ rapid test kit and ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined by a standard tube method. Results. The frequencies of ABO blood groups among the study population were 20 (18.5%), 24 (22.5%), 06 (5.4%) and 57 (53.6%) for blood group A, B, AB, and O respectively. Also, the distribution of Rhesus (D) positive and Rhesus (D) negative were reported as 98 (91.6%) and 9 (8.4%) each. There was no association between ABO, Rhesus (D) and Hb genotypes observed. Data revealed that Rhesus (D) positive students were statistically higher in number compared to the Rhesus (D) negative students (p=0.000). The sequence of ABO distribution among the rural population in southwestern Uganda is; O &gt; A &gt; B &gt; AB. The frequency of Rhesus (D) negative is very low among secondary school students at Bishops’ Girls Secondary School Rushere Kiruhura Southwestern Uganda Keywords: blood groups, ABO blood group, Rh group, Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Phenotypic Frequency of Clinically Significant Blood Group Antigens (Rh, Kell, Kidd, and Duffy) in Blood Donors of the Blood Center at a Tertiary Care Referral Teaching Hospital in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, South India

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: The knowledge of various blood group antigen and phenotype frequencies in a population is important in selecting compatible blood in alloimmunized patients. Such information in Indian population is very limited. Hence this study was carried out to determine the frequency of clinically significant antigens. Such information in Indian population is very limited. Methods: This study was carried out to determine the frequencies of the D, C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, and Jkb antigens in 1024 blood donors at our department. Samples were collected for extended antigen typing during March 2016–February 2017 for D, C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, and Jkb antigens using monoclonal antisera by column agglutination technology. Antigenic and phenotypic frequencies were expressed as percentages. Results: Among the Rh system, “e” antigen was found in 98.6% of donors, followed by D (92%), C (89%), c (56%), and E (17%) with DCe/DCe (R1 R1, 41.4%) as the most common phenotype. “k” was found to be positive in 97% of donors, and K+k− phenotype was found in 0.1% of donors. For Kidd and Duffy blood group system, Jk(a+b+) and Fy(a+b+) were the most common phenotypes with frequency of 56.2% and 47.5%, respectively. MNS antigens were not included on account of financial constraints. Conclusion: Database for antigen frequency of various blood group systems in native donors helps provide antigen-negative compatible blood units to patients with multiple antibodies in order to formulate in-house red cells for antibody detection and identification and for preparing donor registry for rare blood groups.

Association Between Rhesus and ABO Blood Group Types and Their Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multi-Center Investigation.

There is increasing evidence suggesting that ABO blood type may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 infection. In addition to ABO blood type, the Rhesus (Rh) factor has also been implicated in various disease processes. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the association between both ABO and Rh blood types in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and their clinical outcomes. A multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted in Saudi Arabia between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, involving adult COVID-19 patients admitted to Intensive Care Units, aimed to explore potential associations between rhesus blood group types (Positive versus Negative) and clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint assessed was the hospital length of stay (LOS). Other endpoints were considered secondary. After propensity score matching (3:1 ratio), 212 patients were included in the final analysis. The hospital length of stay was longer in a negative Rh blood group compared with patients in the Rh-positive group (beta coefficient 0.26 (0.02, 0.51), p = 0.03). However, neither 30-day mortality (HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.47, 1.25, p = 0.28) nor in-hospital mortality (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.48, 1.14, p = 0.17) reached statistical significance. Additionally, among the different ABO types, the A+ blood group exhibited a higher proportion of thrombosis/infarction and in-hospital mortality (28.1% and 31.2%, respectively). This study highlights the potential impact of blood group type on the prognosis of critically ill patients with COVID-19. It has been observed that patients with a negative Rh blood group type tend to have a longer hospital stay, while their mortality rates and complications during ICU stay are similar to the patients with a Rh-positive group.

Prospective study of ABO and Rh blood group frequency and distribution among health-care professional students at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan

Background: The presence of immunologically competent agglutinogens in ABO and Rhesus (Rh) system makes these blood groups clinically important. The distribution frequency of these blood groups in various geographical regions is essential for the maintenance of blood bank records, for research studies, etc. This helps in safe transfusion during emergency. Many population-based research works were conducted on the prevalence of blood agglutinogens. The lack of data on these blood antigens among young health-care professional students prompted the conduct of this study on blood groups. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to ascertain blood group frequencies among health-care professional students and to obtain prospective group of Rh-negative blood donor database. Materials and Methods: Research was accomplished on 400 health-care professional students of HIMS, Hassan, in department of physiology after going through knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. Blood grouping was done by collecting blood from participants by finger prick method on glass slides. Results: In participants, the most common blood group was O (40.8%) with decreasing prevalence of B (34.3%), A (18%), and AB (7%). The frequency of Rh-positive and negative groups was 95.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Among participants, blood group O and blood group AB was most and least common, respectively. The frequency of Rh positive was far higher compared to Rh-negative groups.

Pattern of ABO blood group and haemoglobin electrophoresis (phenotype) among patients presenting with acute Noma in a referral center, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract Background: Noma is a necrotizing destructive disease of the orofacial structures with poorly understood etiopathogenesis. This study aimed to present the pattern of ABO blood group and hemoglobin electrophoresis (phenotype) in patients presenting with acute Noma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study conducted over five months (November, 2023 to April, 2024) using five year record of patients who presented with acute noma. After obtaining ethical approval, case notes of patients who were managed for acute Noma were retrieved. Patients’ demographic information such as age and sex was recorded. The blood group and the hemoglobin phenotype of the patients were also recorded. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 25). Results: A total of 205 subjects were recruited, of which there were 100 (48.8%) males and 105 (51.2%) females. The age mean ± standard deviation of the patient was 5.06 ± 3.74 in the range of 9 months–22 years. The blood group O 119 (58.3%) was the highest. The majority of the subjects 179 (87.3%) were found to have rhesus positive blood group antigen. Blood group O was found to have the highest positive rhesus antigen with a significant difference (χ 2 = 9.620, df = 3, P = 0.022). The association between the ABO blood group and the phenotype showed that subjects with blood group O have the highest AA phenotype with no significant difference (χ 2 = 8.855, df = 6, P = 0.182). Conclusion: This study revealed more frequent blood group “O” rhesus positive and “AA” hemoglobin electrophoresis (phenotype) in patients with acute Noma which is similar to the general population in the same geographical region.

THE PATTERN OF SILVER-RUSSELL SYNDROME: OWN OBSERVATION

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) –is an orphan disease characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. Children have special phenotypes, difficulties in feeding, the threat of insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, and accelerated sexual development. Aim: Increasing the effectiveness of SRS diagnosis based on the study of the features of the clinical and genetic course. Material and Methods: Clinical examination, blood tests, biochemistry, genetic tests, polymer chain reactions, and ultrasound examination have been carried out. Results: The child, 5 years old, was born from 2nd full-term pregnancy at 37 weeks, 2nd cesarean delivery with a body weight of 1900 g, height of 46 cm, head circumference of 30 cm, and chest circumference of 27 cm. Apgar scored 6/7 points. Neonatal adaptation disorders, intrauterine development, symmetrical shape, risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn according to the Rhesus factor (total bilirubin 190.0 μmol/l). The child had a special phenotype: asymmetry of the body with a relative increase in head circumference, a small triangular face with a protruding forehead, a narrow chin, a small jaw, and curvature of the 5th finger. From birth, insufficient body weight gain was observed (60 g per week, 400 g from birth in 6 weeks), which was explained by physiological vomiting and lactase deficiency (homozygous carrier of genotype C/C during PCR analysis). Body weight at the age of 1 year 5.200 g, height 63 cm, at the age of 5 years body weight 10.2 kg, height 91 cm. The child had heightened intellectual and psychological development. For the sake of differential diagnosis, a study was conducted for the presence of Gaucher’s disease (the result was negative). The results of immunologic tests: IgA 0.77 g/l, tTgIgA&lt; 2.0 units/ml, and tTgIgG 0.05 denied the presence of celiac disease. Clinical diagnosis was established according to the Netchine-Harbison scoring system (NH-CSS), which consists of 6 clinical criteria of NH-CSS. Gene sequencing revealed changes in the variant of uncertain significance SLK25A15, the genetic significance of which is unknown, which did not allow to confirm the diagnosis. Invitae Chromoso-mal Microarray Analysis of genome research on microdeletions (duplications) revealed, with a normal female genomic profile, uniparental dysfunction with two areas of homozygosity ROH&gt;5Mb (GRCh370) in chromosome 20: 20q13-p12.3(1-6690101; 6.69Mb and 20q13.32- q13.33(57394420- 63025520); 5.63 Mb. This change is characterized as a SRS variant, which created the basis for the diagnosis. Therefore, the child has a genetically confirmed diagnosis of SRS and congenital lactose intolerance. Somatotropic hormone (Omnitrop) was prescribed at a dose of 0.6 mg/day continuously. Conclusions: 1. The child’s SRS diagnosis was established on the basis of phenotype data, slow weight gain and growth, genetic research data, and the exclusion of the possibility of other conditions with the impaired physical development of the child. 2. The child needs a multidisciplinary approach to observation and treatment by a pediatrician or family doctor, endocrinologist, geneticist, nutritionist, surgeon, and gynecologist.