Study to compare hematological parameters in alcoholic and non-alcoholic individuals

Abstract

Background: Alcoholism represents one of the most serious worldwide socioeconomic health problems. It is one of the leading causes of preventable mortality, second only to cigarette smoking. Multiple organs can be involved such as hepatobiliary system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, and hematopoietic system. Impact of alcohol on hematopoietic system divided into direct and indirect effects. Anemia is a predominant feature among chronic alcoholics. Aim and Objective: The study is done to know hematological parameters in alcoholics as compared to non-alcoholic individuals. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult patients who are moderate alcoholics, 25 patients who are severe alcoholics, and 25 adult patients who are non-alcoholics were selected. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, total white blood cells count, Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), and platelet (PLT) count were taken for the study. Statistical analysis was done. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean hemoglobin, mean RBC count, mean MCH, and MCHC were normal among the non-alcoholic group and it started decreasing among moderate alcoholics and more so with severe alcoholics, and a similar type of result was also seen with total count and PLT count and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: This shows that alcoholic subjects were suffering from anemia. This study will help to create awareness of the diagnosis of anemia by estimating low hemoglobin levels in alcoholic subjects.