ABO phenotype and clinical correlates of COVID-19 severity in hospitalized patients

Hermel, David J; Spierling Bagsic, Samantha R; Costantini, Carrie L; Mason, James R; Gahvari, Zhubin J; Saven, Alan

Aim: This study investigates the association between ABO blood phenotype and COVID-19 severity, measured by intensive care unit admission, need for intubation, hospitalization length and death. It further explores clinical predictors of COVID-19 severity within a primarily Hispanic demographic in San Diego County. Materials & methods: We retrospectively reviewed 942 total patients, 473 with available blood type, hospitalized at five Scripps Health hospitals with COVID-19. Results: No significant association was found between ABO phenotype and COVID-19 severity on multivariate analysis, while a diagnosis of anemia and male sex was associated with all severity outcomes on exploratory analysis. Conclusion: Our results provide relevant clinical correlates of COVID-19 severity and help better elucidate the association between ABO phenotype and COVID-19.