Blood Type Associated with the Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Pregnant Women

Abstract

COVID-19 forced us to investigate risk factors to provide the best medical attention, especially in vulnerable groups, such as pregnant patients. Studies in other populations have analyzed blood groups in relation to infection, complications, and death. The present study aimed to analyze the association of blood groups with the risk of infection and complications in pregnant women and newborns from the Mexican-Mestizo population. We studied 1906 individuals. Quantitative variables were analyzed through the Student’s t-test. Categorical variables were analyzed through Pearson’s chi-square test, and logistic regression was used to analyze the association between categorical variables and outcomes. No significant association was observed between blood groups and infection risk. Individuals with the AB blood type are at higher risk for developing severe disease, although blood groups do not seem to be involved in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the AB blood group could be considered a risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 in the Mexican population.

Risk Factors for Severe–Critical COVID-19 in Pregnant Women

“…In contrast, a study that was reported on the risk of severe COVID-19 infection was 3.6 times higher in women with blood group O when they were compared with blood type non-O subjects [ 21 , 28 , 29 ]. However, our results are consistent with the findings of a recent study, also in Mexican pregnant women, suggesting that the AB blood group in pregnant women is associated with an increased risk of severity and mortality in COVID-19 [ 15 ]. In this regard, it has been reported that blood type O is associated with a lower risk of infection because anti-A and or anti-B antibodies are present in individuals with blood type O and could bind to the corresponding antigens on the viral envelope and contribute to viral neutralization [ 30 ].…”

“…The studies have been consistent in that maternal age (greater than 35 years) and pre-existing comorbidities (mainly chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and obesity) are associated with severe–critical COVID-19 [ 3 , 13 , 14 ]. In contrast, some risk factors, such as the trimester in which the disease appeared, parity or blood group, as well as other specific disorders of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, have been inconsistent [ 3 , 13 , 15 ].…”