Differential effect of the ABO blood group on von Willebrand factor collagen binding activity and ristocetin cofactor assay.
Diagnosis of von Willebrand disease requires a combination of quantitative and qualitative tests including the von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor assay (vWF:RCo), the von Willebrand factor collagen binding assay (vWF:CB) and von Willebrand factor antigen quantification (vWF:Ag). Genetic factors, especially the ABO blood group, contribute significantly to the variation in vWF levels and function. Recent studies suggest that ethnicity may be another important modulator. We investigated the effect of the ABO blood group on these tests in 52 blood group O and 54 non-group O Chinese blood donors who were well-matched for sex and age distribution. Group O donors had significantly lower vWF:RCo, vWF:Ag and vWF:CB (P < 0.0001). Reduction in vWF:CB was greater than vWF:RCo in group O donors (53 versus 27%). This led to a lower vWF:CB/vWF:Ag ratio (P < 0.0001) in group O donors whereas the vWF:RCo/vWF:Ag ratio was unaffected (P = 0.97). These variations should be taken into consideration when interpreting these results in the Chinese.
Chng
Wee J
WJ
Department of Haematology/Oncology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
Yip
Christina Y C
CY
Baliwag
Marilyn B
MB
Liu
Te-Chih
TC
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000737:chemistry*; D044466:Asian People; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012310:Ristocetin / Q000737:chemistry*; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis*
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D012310:Ristocetin; D003094:Collagen