Plasma von Willebrand Factor Antigen Levels and Its Relation with ABO Blood Group, Age and Sex

Background: The ABO blood antigens may influence the levels of vWF: Ag and put individuals at risk of coagulopathies. This study assessed the plasma vWF: Ag and its relation with ABO blood antigens among healthy adults in northern Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 84 blood donors, aged 18–50 years, at Tamale Teaching Hospital. Blood groups were determined using the standard tube method, and a complete blood count was measured with an automated haematology analyzer. Sandwich ELISA was used to assess plasma vWF: Ag levels. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The frequencies of O, A, B, and AB blood groups were 34 (40.5%), 25 (29.8%), 20 (23.8%), and 5 (6.0%), respectively. vWF: Ag levels were higher among the non-O than group O individuals (p = 0.008). Plasma vWF: Ag levels were lower in group O compared to AB (p = 0.015) and A (p = 0.013) individuals. Males had higher vWF: Ag levels than females (p = 0.002). A moderately positive correlation was observed between age and vWF levels (r = 0.497, p<0.001). Blood group O participants had lower absolute neutrophil counts (p = 0.039), but higher RDW-SD (p = 0.045). Conclusion: The predominant blood group was O, followed by other groups in the order: O>A>B>AB. Plasma vWF: Ag levels were higher in non-group O compared with group O individuals. Males had higher vWF: Ag levels, and a positive correlation between age and vWF: Ag was observed. Again, blood group O participants had lower neutrophil counts, but higher RDW-SD. The relationship between ABO blood phenotypes and plasma vWF: Ag should be considered in clinical practice. The establishment of separate reference intervals of vWF: Ag for the various phenotypes of ABO is recommended. Also, the study recommends further multicenter studies to assess the link between ABO phenotypes and all the endothelial cell parameters. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-02-02 Full Text: PDF