Effect of Long-Term Drug Abuse on Complete Blood Count and Serum Lipid Level

Abstract

Background: Drug use is a growing public health issue that can harm the haematological and metabolic systems. This study examined how long-term drug usage affects CBC values and serum lipid levels in drug abusers.

Aim: To evaluate the hematological profile of drug abusers by assessing hematological indices (PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and determining the total leukocyte count (TLC).

Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive cross sectional and 50 males with long term history of substance use disorder were recruited by convenience sampling from a drug rehabilitation centre in Mardan, Pakistan. Blood samples were tested for complete blood count. Serum lipid analysis used total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results: Most responders (60.0%) were 21–30. Most subjects had normal PCV (80.0%) and MCV (76.0%). Of those who participated, 58% had low MCH and 82% low MCHC, with 90% of whom having normal total leukocyte counts. Mean MCHC was 30.83 ± 0.79 g/dL. Most of the participants had a normal level of total cholesterol, while a small number had high triglyceride levels, the TLC test indicated 10.0% increased. The mean haemoglobin concentration was 13.19 ± 0.90 g/dL, and the MCHC was 30.83 ± 0.79. The mean total cholesterol and triglyceride readings were 199.70 ± 22.31 and 247.62 ± 47.59 mg/dL, respectively. Significant differences in haemoglobin, PCV, and MCHC were seen among age groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: shows chronic drug use modifies several haematological markers, with MCH and MCHC changing more and the lipid profile changing less. Chronic drug abusers may benefit from haematological monitoring.