Changes in some coagulation parameters among male cigarette smokers in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking is a major public health problem globally. In view of this complexity, cigarette smoke has multiple diverse effects on human health and the coagulation system. These effects have not been adequately explored in our population and among Africans with increasing high rate of smoking. Aim: This study was conducted to determine and compare the association between the duration of cigarette smoking and coagulation parameters (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time) in male cigarette smokers living in Calabar. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective comparative study that which compared the levels of PT and APTT in 106 male smokers and 83 non-smokers which were used as control participants. Cigarette smokers were further divided into two groups based on the number of cigarette sticks smoked per day, mild smokers, those who smoked 1-19 sticks per day and heavy smoker, those who smoked 20 sticks and above per day. Whole blood was dispensed into a trisodium citrate bottle; PT and APTT were quantified using kits from Giesse Diagnostics Italy. The methods were controlled and validated using Giesse control reagents from the manufacturer. Results: The mean PT and APTT for the male smokers were; 11.7+ 0.9secs and 28.7 + 2.9secs respectively. These values were significantly lower than those of the non-smokers with PT and APTT of 13.03 + 0.9secs and 29.8 + 3.4secs (P<0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between duration of smoking, PT and APTT in the male smokers (P<0.05). There was also a negative correlation between the no of sticks smoked per day and PT in male smokers (r = 0.212). Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that cigarette smokers are at a high risk of developing clotting problems compared to non-smokers if appropriate interventions are not considered.