Relative Risk of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Infection and Disease
Outcomes with ABO Blood Type among Hospitalized Filipino Patients from
Select Tertiary Hospitals in Metro Manila, Philippines: An Ambispective
Cohort Analysis
Abstract
Background: The increasing COVID-19 cases and rising scientific
interest on the role of ABO blood type in disease susceptibility and
outcomes highlight the need to explore the associations among Filipinos,
cognizant of racial and genetic predisposition. This study determined
the relative risk of COVID-19 infection and disease outcomes with ABO
blood type among Filipino patients. Methods: Employing an
ambispective cohort, 550 consecutively-selected, hospitalized Filipino
adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result were included. Medical
records of previously admitted patients were retrospectively reviewed
and pertinent data were extracted. Prospectively, patients who were
still admitted were recruited and followed-up. Risk ratio estimated the
risk of primary (COVID-19 infection and severity) and secondary outcomes
(ICU admission, intubation, and mortality). Findings: The risk
of COVID-19 infection was 20% higher among type A (aRR=1·20,
p=0·021) but was 19% lower among type O (aRR=0·84,
p=0·023). Blood type A (aRR=1·25, p=0·041) was 25% at
greater risk for severe-to-critical COVID-19 infection, while moderate
COVID-19 was 62% higher among type AB (aRR=1·62, p=0.037) and
was 54% lower among type O (aOR=0·65, p=0·010). ABO blood type
did not predict any disease outcomes. Interpretation: ABO blood
type was an independent predictor of COVID-19 infection and severity but
not disease outcomes. Type A has higher risk for COVID-19 infection and
severe-to-critical COVID-19, while type O had lower risk. This
information can be utilized in identifying the population-at-risk,
developing programs and interventions, increasing vigilance in medical
management, and promoting adherence to precautionary and protective
health-seeking behaviors. Funding: Philippine Council for
Health Research and Development