Relationship Between ABO Blood Types and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity.

Objectives: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection spreads rapidly around the world. The blood groups are recognized to influence susceptibility to certain viruses.The aim of this research was to determine any potential role of the patients' ABO and Rh blood groups in both the acquisition and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a growing global health problem, to find any marker for COVID-19 may help to identify high-risk individuals and ease the strain on health system. Methods: The patients who were hospitalized between March and August 2020 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and had a documented ABO blood type in medical database were examined retrospectively. Patients were grouped as survivors (followed up in pandemic wards /or intensive care unit [ICU]) and non-survivors. Their ABO blood types were correlated with general population's blood types. The labaratory findings of patients were evaluated according to the blood types. Results: A total of 492 patients included, 233 (47.4%) were male. The mean age was 58.9±17.5. Data of ABO blood groups of 51966 individuals in general population was used as a control group; the number of the patients in Rh (-) blood type 0, were significantly lower than the control group (p=0.008). Among the whole patient group (survivors and non-survivors), Blood type A 210 (42%) was the most common and type AB 52 (10%) was the least common. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between survivors (pandemic wards/ICU) and non-survivors unlike the previous studies (p=0.514). No correlation was found between laboratory findings (Hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, platelet, white blood cell, lymphocyte, D-Dimer, C-reactive protein, ferritin) and ABO blood groups of COVID-19 patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no association found between the ABO blood type and COVID-19 infection rate or disease severity. No evidence was noted to support the use of ABO blood type as a marker for COVID-19. Further efforts are warranted to better predict outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Comparison of chest computed tomography findings of RT-PCR negative and RT-PCR positive cases in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to compare the results of the RT-PCR test, with the findings of Chest CT and to determine the features of CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and how to approach RT-PCR negative patients. MATERIAL METHOD: Chest CT findings of 569 COVID-19 diagnosed patients, followed up at the pandemic wards between March and June 2020 were retrospectively examined. Patients were grouped according to RT-PCR results, gender, and age. RESULTS: 284 (49%) were RT-PCR(+), 285 (50.8%) were RT-PCR(-) of total 569 patients. 11 (1.9%) of RT-PCR(+) had no involvement in Chest CT while all the RT-PCR(-) patients were CT(+). The distribution of lesions in CT were; 544 (95.6%) bilateral, 553 (97.2%) multilobar, 557(98%) peripherally 151 (26.5%) posteriorly localized. The most common findings were; 539 (94.7%) ground-glass opacity (GGO), 365 (64.1%) consolidation, 160 (28.1%) crazy paving interlobular septal thickening. CO-RADS mean value was 5.4 ± 0.7. GGO and reticulation in RT-PCR(-) patients were 280 (98.2%) and 24 (8.4%); while they were 259 (91.2%) and 12 (4.2%) in RT-PCR(+) patients, were significantly higher (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed, in CT findings for gender. Only the findings of crazy paving interlobular septal thickening and reticulation in 18-64 age group were significantly higher than that in 65-94 age group, 105 (24.8%)-55 (37.9%), 19 (4.5%)-17 (11.7%) respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The typical findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in Chest CT are: GGO, consolidation and crazy paving in bilateral, peripheral, posterior localization. CT plays an essential role for diagnosis, isolation and treatment in cases of COVID-19 and RT-PCR negative test should be verified by CT.

Evaluation of long-term radiological findings, pulmonary functions, and health-related quality of life in survivors of severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to evaluate long-term radiological changes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, to investigate pulmonary function, exercise capacities, and health-related quality of life results. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated in the sixth month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), and short form of health-related quality of life scale (SF-36) were applied in the sixth month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement. RESULTS: Forty-nine male and 16 female patients were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% values of 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC)% values of 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT of 13 patients (23.2%) were found lower than expected in the sixth month. On the SF-36 scale, physical function, energy-vitality, social functionality, pain, and general health parameters were found lower than normal. Minimal interstitial changes in chest CT were seen in 26 patients. Nine patients had lung area involvement between 10% and 50% of the surface, there was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values in this group. There was severe pulmonary fibrosis in four patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary function and physical function and general perception of health from SF-36 scale subparameters. CONCLUSION: Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients in the sixth month after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long-term problems that may arise.