ASSOCIATION OF SOME BLOOD GROUP PHENOTYPES AND RISK OF ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA IN KANO, NIGERIA

Background: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous clonal disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of immature and non-functional cells known as blasts and subsequently results in bone marrow failure and organs infiltrations. Blood group antigens have been linked with the aetiology and pathophysiology of various communicable and non-communicable diseases. Objective: This study therefore investigated the association of some blood group phenotypes with AML among subjects in Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Acute myeloid leukaemia was diagnosed using the clinical and cytological criteria in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). The blood groups were determined using tube method for ABO, Rh-D, Lewis, Duffy and MNS while Rh-C-c-E-e and Kell by Gel method. The Antisera and Gel cards were obtained from Lorne Laboratories in the United Kingdom. All the techniques were according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Data was presented as tables and analysed using SPSS (version 25.0). Results: A total of 25 AML subjects (age: 18.9±13.9 years, male/female ratio: 1.3:1) were studied with 25 healthy blood donors (controls) with mean ages of 29.2±5.3 years and male/female ratio: 11.5:1. Association of some blood groups and AML was determined using Chi-square test while Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) were used to ascertain their risk values. The results showed that Lea, Leb, K and M antigens were significantly associated with AML (OR: 4.75, 7.11, 11.29 and 7.67 respectively). Conclusion: We conclude that individuals with Lewis antigens (Lea and Leb), Kell antigen (K) and M antigen may have increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia.