Outcome of Red and White Blood Cell Indices of Smokeless Tobacco (Snuff) Consumers in Nigeria

Dorathy C. Okpokam, Euphoria C. Akwiwu, Sabrina M. Egong and Patience E. Ofem

Background and Objective: Smokeless tobacco is a drug substance that is consumed over the world despite its adverse effect on health. This study was done to determine the red cell count, total white cell count and total differential white cell count of smokeless tobacco Consumers in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 subjects (65 snuff users and 65 non-users) were used and complete information needed for the study was obtained. Venous anticoagulated blood was gotten, analysed using the automated haematology analyzer smart FI and manual microscopy method. Results: The Hb, Hct, Rbc, TWBC and Neutrophil (141g L^–1, 0.43 L L^–1, 5.37×10⁹ L^–1, 12.7×10⁹ L^–1 and 73.5%) of snuff users respectively were seen to be significantly raised, while the MCV, MCH, MCHC and lymphocyte count (78 fl, 23 pg, 141g L^–1 and 18.1%) were significantly reduced when compared with non-users. There was 15.4, 41.5 and 43.1% of microcytic hypochromic, microcytic normochromic and normocytic normochromic red cell morphology of snuff users when compared with non-users (7.7, 10.8 and 81.5%). Their red cell lacked the normal discoid shape, revealing bubble-like and spine-like protrusions under the microscope. Conclusion: The use of smokeless Tobacco (Snuff) has a great effect on the red cells of its users, the significant increase in TWBC and Neutrophil could be attributable to the higher doses of nicotine in the snuff. Quick intervention among young and old users can help prevent the initial testing of this substance to add later in life. There was no significant difference with users based on age, gender and duration.

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