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Is there an association between blood group O and epistaxis?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2017

V M Reddy*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
M Daniel
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
E Bright
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
S R Broad
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
A A Moir
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr V M Reddy, 226 Avenue Road Extension, Leicester, LE2 3EL, UK. Fax: 0870 123 6196 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction:

Blood group O is associated with lower expression of von Willebrand factor suggesting a relative bleeding tendency. A lower admission rate for epistaxis among Asians compared with Caucasians has also been noted, with one explanation being higher prevalence of blood group O among Caucasians. This study investigates whether blood group O is over-represented in patients admitted with epistaxis.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted, using computerised hospital in-patient and blood bank databases to identify Caucasians admitted with epistaxis between January 2000 and December 2005 inclusive. The control group consisted of 500 consecutive patients who had a primary total hip arthroplasty and 500 consecutive patients who gave birth within the delivery suite.

Results:

1261 Caucasians admitted with epistaxis were identified. Among epistaxis patients, 50.44 per cent were blood group O but among the control group this was 45.10 per cent (chi-square test p = 0.008).

Conclusion:

Blood group O appears over-represented in Caucasian patients admitted with epistaxis, compared with the control population, raising the possibility that blood group O is a risk factor for epistaxis.

Type
Main Article
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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Footnotes

Abstract presented at the Otorhinolaryngological Research Society Autumn Meeting, 29 September 2006, Institute of Laryngology and Otology, London, UK.

References

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