Blood groups and Rhesus status as potential predictors of outcomes in patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy

TL;DR

This study suggests that Rhesus-negative blood type may be linked to better survival in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

Contribution

The study identifies Rhesus-negative blood group as a potential predictor of improved survival in CRT-treated heart failure patients.

Findings

Rh-negative blood group was associated with a significant survival benefit in CRT-treated heart failure patients.

ABO blood group showed no significant association with survival outcomes.

Rhesus-related genes are linked to erythrocyte function, platelet activity, and metabolic markers.

Abstract

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) however the role of ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor are poorly understood. We hypothesise that blood groups may influence clinical and survival outcomes in HF patients undergoing CRT. A total of 499 patients with HF who fulfilled the criteria for CRT implantation were included. Primary outcome of all-cause mortality and/or heart transplant/left ventricular assist device was assessed over a median follow-up of 4.6 years (IQR 2.3–7.5). Online repositories were searched to provide biological context to the identified associations. Patients were divided into blood (O, A, B, and AB) and Rhesus factor (Rh-positive and Rh-negative) groups. Mean patient age was 66.4 ± 12.8 years with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 29 ± 11%. There were no baseline differences in age, gender, and cardioprotective medication. In a Cox proportional hazard multivariate model, only Rh-negative blood group was associated with a significant survival benefit (HR 0.68 [0.47–0.98], p = 0.040). No association was observed for the ABO blood group (HR 0.97 [0.76–1.23], p = 0.778). No significant interaction was observed with prevention, disease aetiology, and presence of defibrillator. Rhesus-related genes were associated with erythrocyte and platelet function, and cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin levels. Four drugs under development targeting RHD were identified (Rozrolimupab, Roledumab, Atorolimumab, and Morolimumab). Rhesus blood type was associated with better survival in HF patients with CRT. Further research into Rhesus-associated pathways and related drugs, namely whether there is a cardiac signal, is required.

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