title: Blood carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin levels are chronically elevated in alcoholics treated for detoxification.
abstract: Self-reported daily consumption of cigarettes and ethanol was recorded from a group of 59 ethanol-dependent persons admitted to a detoxification clinic at 2000-2400 h and averaged 40 cigarettes per day and 320 g ethanol per day, respectively. In consequence, concentrations of blood COHb and ethanol were high. Mean values for COHb were 8.5 and 9.9% in men and women, respectively, while the corresponding levels for ethanol were 220 and 280 mg/100 ml. Blood acetate concentrations were also elevated and correlated negatively with mixed venous oxygenhaemoglobin concentrations. The mean carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin concentration at 0700 h was found to be approximately 65% of that on admission. Biochemical and haematological analysis, past medical history and current physical examination revealed a high degree of ethanol and/or cigarette-related pathology. Studies on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in ethanol-dependent persons should take into account their simultaneous high cigarette abuse.
authors: Drug and Alcohol Services Council of South Australia, Parkside.
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Williamson
authors: R G
authors: RG
authors: Pols
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Illman
authors: D L
authors: DL
authors: Topping
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood*; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000431:Ethanol; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin