Study of Comparison of Haematological Manifestation in Alcoholics with Non Alcoholics

INTRODUCTION: Alcoholism is one of the most serious global health problem. Incidence of alcoholism is high especially in lower socio economic groups of people and its affects all the systems like hepatobiliary system, cardio vascular system, central nervous system, haemopoietic system. Many a times haematological changes are left undetected and untreated which could progress to cardiac failure. Alcohol can lead to all types of anaemia with bone marrow suppression. OBJECTIVES: 1. To study the haematological changes in alcoholics and non-alcoholics. 2. To study the haematological changes with respect to the quantity and duration of alcohol consumption are divided into moderate and severe drinkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 adult patients who are moderate alcoholics, 25 adult patients who are severe alcoholics and 50 adult patients of non-alcoholics were included in the study in government Mohan Kumaramangalam medical college hospital Salem. RESULT: In our study 76% of severe alcoholics are anaemic and 72% of moderate alcoholics are anaemic. MCV of more than 99fl is present in 28% of severe drinkers and 8% of moderate drinkers. Mean Hb in severe drinkers is 9.37± 2.30. Total count mean value in moderate alcoholics is 7872 ± 3537.72 and in severe alcoholics is 11072 ± 4286.17. Mean platelet count is 1.63 ± 0.66 and 1.47 ± 0.67 in moderate and severe drinkers respectively. Mean folic acid value in moderate alcoholics is 8.71 ± 1.00 and in severe alcoholics is 8.08 ± 1.01. Mean value of vitamin B12 is 713.80 ± 374.14, 1375.60 ± 510.03 in moderate and severe drinkers respectively. Microcyte hypochromic anaemia due to iron deficiency is common among alcoholics followed by macrocytic anaemia due to folate deficiency, not by B12 deficiency. Abnormal RBC morphology like target cells, acanthocytes, stomatocytes, elliptocytes and ovalocytes are seen in alcoholics. CONCLUSION: Alcoholism is present in both males and females and predominantly seen in males especially in lower socio economic groups in 3rd to 5th decade. Anaemia is common among chronic drinkers and its severity is related to amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Infections are common among severe alcoholics. Microcytic hypochromic anaemia is common due to iron deficiency followed by macrocytic anaemia due to folate deficiency. Thrombocytopenic is also common among alcoholics. Abnormal RBC morphology like stomatocytes, target cells, acanthocytes are seen. Detection of haematological changes in alcohol abuse early and treating them will prevent alcohol related complications in future and decrease the morbidity and mortality in alcoholics