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Blood carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin levels are chronically elevated in alcoholics treated for detoxification

P A Williamson1, R G Pols, R J Illman

  • 1Drug and Alcohol Services Council of South Australia, Parkside.

Atherosclerosis
|October 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

This study found that individuals dependent on ethanol and also smoking heavily had high blood levels of carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin (COHb) and ethanol. These factors contribute to significant health issues in patients undergoing detoxification.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Ethanol dependence is often comorbid with cigarette smoking.
  • High levels of ethanol and carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin (COHb) are expected in individuals with substance use disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify daily cigarette and ethanol consumption in ethanol-dependent individuals.
  • To assess blood COHb, ethanol, and acetate levels upon admission to a detoxification clinic.
  • To investigate the relationship between substance use and related pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Self-reported daily consumption of cigarettes and ethanol.
  • Measurement of blood COHb, ethanol, and acetate concentrations.
  • Biochemical and haematological analysis.
  • Review of medical history and physical examination.

Main Results:

  • Average consumption: 40 cigarettes/day and 320 g ethanol/day.
  • Mean blood COHb: 8.5% (men) and 9.9% (women).
  • Mean blood ethanol: 220 mg/100 ml (men) and 280 mg/100 ml (women).
  • Elevated blood acetate correlated negatively with oxygenhaemoglobin.
  • COHb levels decreased by approximately 35% by 0700 h.
  • Significant ethanol and/or cigarette-related pathologies were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Simultaneous high cigarette abuse must be considered in studies of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in ethanol-dependent individuals.
  • Combined ethanol and tobacco use leads to significant physiological disturbances and health risks.
  • Detoxification clinics encounter patients with substantial levels of toxic substances in their blood.

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