Aim: In this study we aimed to investigate effects of blood group and Rh factor on recur-rent aphthous ulceration (RAS).
Material and Methods: A total of 350 persons were included in the study, 175 with RAS and 175 as the healthy control group. Medical histories and laboratory findings of the patients presenting to the outpatient clinic were evaluated. Patients that had aphthae lesions more than three times a year were studied. Haemoglobin (Hb), vitamin B12, ferritin, folic acid, and iron levels were measured and the blood groups were recorded.
Results: Of RAS patients, 16.8% had a deficiency in Hb, 16.3% in vitamin B12, 18.5% in ferri-tin, 6.4% in folic acid and 28.2% in iron. The patient blood groups were distributed as follows 33.7% Group A, 20% Group B, 8.6% Group AB and 33.1% Group O. Of RAS patients were 92% Rh(+) and 8% Rh(-). No statistically significant difference was found between the distribu-tion of blood groups and RAS. However, the risk of RAS was found to be six times higher in B Rh(+) patients compared to B Rh(-) patients and three times higher in AB Rh(+) patients com-pared to AB Rh(-) patients.
Conclusions: Rh factor may have an effect on the etiology of RAS disease. Anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency are common in RAS patients, making a hematological evaluation a necessity for RAS patients.
Key words: Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration (RAS); Blood Group; Rh Factor; Anemia; Etiology.
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