Hematological profile alterations in suicidal organophosphorus poisoning: a comparative case control study between addicted and non-addicted individuals
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning on hematological parameters and compare these changes between non-addicted individuals and patients with chronic alcohol or benzodiazepine addiction.
Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan, from July to December 2024. A total of 260 male patients (20–40 years) with confirmed suicidal OP poisoning were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants were categorized into non-addicts (Group A, n=120), alcohol addicts (Group B1, n=90), and benzodiazepine addicts (Group B2, n=50). Hematological parameters were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Comparisons among groups were performed using one-way ANOVA and the Chi-square test.
Results: Mean age was comparable across the three groups. Among 260 patients with OP, abnormal complete blood count findings were significantly more frequent in addicted than non-addicted patients’ groups (p<0.05). Normal blood profiles were observed in 80 (66.7%) non-addicts, 40 (44.4%) alcohol addicts, and 20 (40.0%) benzodiazepine addicts, whereas hematological abnormalities were detected in 40 (33.3%), 50 (55.6%), and 30 (60.0%) patients, respectively (p=0.0006). Hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and neutrophil percentage differed significantly among the study groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Chronic alcohol and benzodiazepine addiction are associated with greater hematological abnormalities in patients presenting with OP. Addicted individuals demonstrated lower hemoglobin indices and higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, than non-addicts, suggesting that substance addiction may exacerbate the hematological effects of OP poisoning. Early hematological assessment may facilitate risk stratification and clinical management of these patients.
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