Blood carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin levels are chronically elevated in alcoholics treated for detoxification.
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.
Williamson
P A
PA
Drug and Alcohol Services Council of South Australia, Parkside.
Pols
R G
RG
Illman
R J
RJ
Topping
D L
DL
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
D000085:Acetates; D000431:Ethanol; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin