The relationship between platelet indices and ABO blood groups in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND

ABO blood groups have been suggested to have a high correlation with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has also been postulated that platelet indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), are very important in the development and progression of CVDs. However, despite these common associations with CVDs, as far as we know, there are no studies investigating platelet indices in ABO blood groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether platelet indices are associated with ABO blood groups.

METHODS

The study included 301 healthy volunteers (99 women and 202 men; mean age: 32.59 ± 7.52 years) whose blood groups were determined by the gel column method using agglutination techniques. Platelet indices were studied by an automated blood counter.

RESULTS

No considerable differences in age, gender, or Rh factors were observed among ABO blood groups. MPV was detected to be considerably lower in O and A blood group subjects than in AB and B blood group subjects. Similarly, PDW was significantly lower in O and A blood group subjects than in B blood group subjects. Additionally, MPV in the O blood group subjects was significantly lower than in the non-O blood group subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Because MPV and PDW are used as markers of CVDs, individuals with O and A blood groups in this study may be considered to have a lower risk of CVDs than AB and B blood group subjects. However, prospective cohort studies involving a greater number of volunteers are needed to elucidate these relationships.