EVALUATION OF LIVER AND HAEMATOLOGICAL VARIABLES AMONG ALCOHOLICS IN JOS METROPOLIS, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Essien U. C.*, Nyam A. N., Ekwempu A. I., Kopkuk E. D., Idoko E., Sheyin Z.

ABSTRACT

The association of alcohol consumption with liver and haematopoietic function was recognized more than two centuries. Several studies have reported the effect of alcohol abuse on liver and hematological variables. We conducted this study to assess the changes in liver and Full blood count variables resulting from consumption of alcohol in Jos North, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A total of 281 blood samples were collected by venipuncture from participants, out of which 222 individuals were identified as alcoholics (test group) while 59 were non-alcoholics (control group). Samples were processed in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Jos. All samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The mean values of total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT for the alcoholics (test) were 63.92 ± 9.23g/L, 31.58 ±4.93g/L, 6.29 ± 2.94umol/L, 16.60 ± 5.93umol/L, 23.09 ± 5.66 U/L, 20.57 ± 6.42 U/L, 251.71 ± 77.72 U/L and 26.26 ± 8.99 U/L respectively, while those of the control groups include 67.72 ± 7.45g/L, 33.96 ± 3.51g/L, 4.67 ± 2.03umol/L, 12.94 ± 4.34umol/L, 12.69 ± 3.29 U/L, 17.28 ± 3.90 U/L, 233.30 ± 65.97 U/L and 24.84 ±7.22 U/L respectively. A weak negative correlation was observed between PCV, eosinophil (r= -0.060; r= -0.081 respectively) and duration of alcoholism. Conversely, a very weak positive association existed between TWBCC, neutrophil, lymphocytes, monocytes (r= 0.081; r=0.001; r=0.018; r=0.0120 respectively) and duration of alcoholism. Regarding duration of alcoholism, we observed both positive and negative linearity of variables with duration of alcohol abuse. In conclusion, this work suggests that alcohol consumption may exert significant changes in some liver and hematological variables.

Keywords: Haematological, Liver, association, alcoholism.