Basic haematological derangements in heroin addicts

ABSTRACT

Basic haematological derangements are not uncommon in drug addicts. This study was carried out on ninety heroin addicts and thirty normal healthy control subjects to observe the changes in simple haematological parameters including haemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The study revealed a significant reduction in haemoglobin, an increase in total leukocyte count and raised ESR. However, the differential leukocyte count did not differ significantly. The possible mechanisms of such derangements in haematological parameters are discussed in heroin addicts