[Comparison of ventilatory efficiency in alcohol and opiate abusers]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the respiratory efficiency in alcohol and opiate abusers. There were 220 persons under examination: 144 alcohol abusers (group I), 36 opiate abusers (group II) and 40 healthy persons (control group). Both groups of dependent persons were treated in the Detoxication Unit of the Department of Clinical Toxicology CMUJ. During hospitalization the functional state of respiratory system was monitored. Ventilation efficiency was determined on the basis of the results from a "flow-volume" loop, spirometry and the measurements of the respiratory tract resistance in a computerised system Lungtest-MES company (Poland). In the examination performed directly after admission to the Clinic the normal respiratory efficiency was noted in 36.1% in ethanol abusers and 54.9% in opiate abusers. 63.9% of alcohol abusers (group I) and 45.1% of opiate abusers (group II) suffered from the bronchial obturation. In the examination performed after hospitalisation and 9 days of total abstinence in 33.3% of the alcohol dependent patients and in 38.5% of the opiate dependent patients respiratory obturation was observed. The values of respiratory tract resistance in both groups of dependent patients in examination on admission and after treatment were increased compared to controls. The changes of ventilatory parameters can be explained mainly by withdrawal syndrom revealing that it is connected with initial (9 days lasting) period of controlled and total abstinence.