[Blood groups and open-angle glaucoma in Tunisia].

PURPOSE

To determine whether blood groups are genetic markers for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

ABO, rhesus, and Kell and Duffy blood groups were analyzed in 114 POAG cases and in a control group of age- and sex-matched patients (96 cases).

RESULTS

AB groups are significantly more frequent in POAG cases (10.5%) than in the control group (2%). However, no association was found between POAG and ABO, rhesus, and Kell and Duffy blood groups even when men and women were studied separately.

CONCLUSION

AB blood groups seem to be genetic markers of POAG but further studies are needed to confirm this association.