Effects of Opium Uses on Hematological Parameters in COPD Patients

Background and Aims: Opium is a highly addictive narcotic with widespread use worldwide.This study aimed to elucidate the correlations between opium usage and hematological parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and Methods:The present case-control study included 100 COPD patients who were selected through a census method, regardless of disease severity.The participants provided informed consent and had no concurrent major organ diseases.The diagnosis of COPD was based on medical history, clinical symptoms, and spirometry findings.Fasting blood samples were collected from the participants for hematological tests, and an additional blood sample was drawn into a separate syringe for venous blood gas analysis.The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22).Descriptive data were reported using central tendency and dispersion indices (MeanSD).A P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:In total, 100 patients with COPD, including both opium users and non-users, were investigated.The mean ages were 65.412.7 and 64.29.8 years for opium users and non-users, respectively.The majority of the cases (n=61, 61%) were male, and 79 patients (79%) had a history of substance abuse.Among opium users, the level of cigarette consumption was lower; however, the use of hookah was significantly higher, compared to non-user counterparts (P<0.01).The total white blood cell count and creatinine levels were significantly lower in the opium user, compared to the non-user group (P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in the other parameters. Conclusion:Considering the low levels of serum creatinine and white blood cells count in addicted COPD, further studies are needed to define the clinical effects of these changes and currently, use of opium in COPD patients is not recommended.