Evaluation of Some Haematological Parameters in Alcoholics’ Residents in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Most forms of disease that may lead to death can be caused by Alcohol. The toxic effects of alcohol on haematological parameters need serious attention. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption on haematological parameters that will aid us in forming a diagnostic tool for the diseases associated with alcohol consumption with good management outcomes. Materials and Methods: The study included 200 participants, comprising males and females within the age bracket of 15-65 years. A well-structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to obtain information used to categorize participants into groups, group 1 (non-alcohol consumers (<1 drink monthly)), group 2 (occasional alcohol consumers (1-3 drinks/month)), group 3 (moderate alcohol consumers (1-5 drinks/week)) and group 4 (heavy alcohol consumers (>2 drinks/day)). Results: The white blood cell count (6.12±1.2×10⁹/L), lymphocytes (47.5±5.5×10⁹/L), mean cell volume (91.6±3.49 fL), mean cell haemoglobin (29.3±1.40 pg) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (32.0±0.55 g dL^–1) were significantly higher in group 4 while packed cell volume (40.8±3.9%), neutrophils (42.2±5.8%) and platelet count (184±41×10⁹/L) were significantly lower in group 4 showing a consistently pattern of decrease from group 2 to 4. Conclusion: The chronic alcohol consumption induces anaemia, macrocytosis and thrombocytopenia.