Haematological Profile In Chronic Alcohol Consumers

Abstract

Background: Problem drinkers conceal the fact that they are chronic alcoholics, when giving a medical history. Laboratory studies on those who abuse alcohol in this environment are scarce as most studies are behavioral research. Routine haematolgical indices were studied in problem drinkers to help in the diagnosis of alcohol related disorders.

Methodology: The subjects were got from an indigenous community that has farming and the brewing of a local alcohol, BURUKUTU as the main source of livelihood. The CAGE questionnaire was used to classify the subjects into problem drinkers, social drinkers and those who abstained from alcohol. Parameters measured were haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was calculated using wintrobe's formula.

Result: It was found that the haemoglobin, packed cell volume , red blood cell count and the white blood cell count were within the reference range for all groups. The platelet was reduced for the problem drinkers while the MCV was increased

Conclusion: A look at the haemoglobin, profile especially MCV, platelet count, can alert a physician if the patient is a chronic alcoholic, even when there is no anemia

KEY WORDS: Problem drinkers, Alcoholism, Hematogical profile. Jos.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(2) 2003: 84-86<