Lewis Blood Type Frequency in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Prospective Study Including Analyses for A₁A₂BO, Secretor, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kell, Lutheran and Rhesus Blood Groups

Abstract

Seventy-five patients in two randomly selected groups (N=40 plus 35) with primary Sjögren's syndrome were tested for Lewis, A₁A₂BO, secretor, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kell, Lutheran and rhesus blood group antigens. The results were compared with the frequencies in a control group and in the general population. The Lewis blood group frequency differed (p<0.05) from that of the general population, due mainly to an increased Le(a–b–) frequency. Similar immuno-haematological findings have not been reported earlier in patients with rheumatological diseases. If confirmed by other centres, the results may be of importance for our understanding of the immunological mechanisms of chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases.