Biochemical and Haematological Profile in Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) Co-Morbid with Nicotine Dependence Syndrome (NDS)

Aims: To compare and assess the biochemical and haematological parameters in patients with Alcohol dependent syndrome (ADS) co-morbid with Nicotine dependent syndrome (NDS) in comparison to those with only Alcohol dependent syndrome (ADS).

Study Design: Observational case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Department of Psychiatry, Vailankanni Deaddiction centre, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.

Methodology: The subjects consisted of 30 male patients (age range 27-64 years) with Alcohol dependent syndrome co-morbid with Nicotine dependent syndrome (ADS+NDS), 30 male patients (age range 26-60 years) with Alcohol dependent syndrome (ADS) and 30 male normal healthy volunteers (age range 28-46 years). Activities of liver function marker enzymes and levels of haematological parameters were assayed by standard methods.

Results: Activities of alanine aminotransferases(ALT), aspartate aminotransferases(AST), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase(ƔGT) were significantly higher in patients with ADS+NDS and only ADS, in comparison to healthy controls (p< .001). The haemoglobin, RBC counts, polymorphonuclear cells were significantly decreased in only ADS group compared to controls (p< .01) and MCV and ESR were significantly increased in patients with ADS+NDS and only ADS (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed between patients with ADS+NDS and only ADS, with respect to biochemical and haematological parameters. There was significant correlation of ƔGT with ALT(r=0.72) and AST(r=0.88) in only ADS group and ALT with AST(r=0.79; r=0.83) in both ADS+NDS and ADS groups.

Conclusions: Significant changes were evident in biochemical and haematological parameters in patients with only Alcohol dependent syndrome. These parameters could serve as markers of alcoholism.