O blood type is not associated with worse coagulopathy or outcome in exsanguinating trauma

Background Despite improving understanding of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC), mortality and morbidity due to exsanguinating trauma remain high. Increased complications due to hemorrhage have been reported in blood group O, possibly due to reduced levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Methods An urban level 1 adult trauma center registry was retrospectively queried. Patients receiving ≥6 units of pRBC within 4 h of presentation were included. Patient demographics, admission labs and outcomes were obtained. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results 562 patients were identified. There were no significant differences in demographics, admission labs, or outcome between different ABO groups. After adjustment, Type A patients were more likely to be hypocoagulable compared to Type O patients (p = 0.014). No mortality differences were seen between ABO types in multiple regression analysis. Conclusions No outcome or mortality differences were seen between ABO types, therefore factors other than vWF expression should be considered to explain coagulopathy in trauma patients.