CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF MATERNAL BLOOD-GROUP AND SEVERE PREECLAMPSIA

The relation of maternal blood group to pre-eclampsia has not been ade quately studied in previous research. To investigate this relation, we conducted a case-control study of primigravidae. Data on 204 consecut ive severely pre-eclamptic patients delivered pre-term and 744 control s were analysed using multivariate methods. After adjustment for the c onfounding effects of maternal age, social class, origin, education, p re-pregnancy weight and body mass index, and weight gain in pregnancy, we found an increased risk of pre-eclampsia for mothers with blood ty pe AB (adjusted odds ratio = 3.07; 95% confidence interval 1.48-6.36). With respect to blood group O, A, B and Rh type, no statistically sig nificant correlation with severe pre-eclampsia was found. Although the se results should be considered with caution, they support the hypothe sis of a linkage mechanism involving blood group in the inheritance of susceptibility to pre-eclampsia.