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CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN IN WATERPIPE SMOKERS COMPARED TO CIGARETTE SMOKERS

presented by Dr. Ghada Radwan

Determine the concentration of carboxyhemoglobin for waterpipe smokers as compared to cigarette smokers and non smokers in adult males in rural Egypt . Breath carbon monoxide(CO) measurement was performed on 84 shisha smokers, 359 cigarette smokers and 36 non smokers living in rural Egypt . Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were computed from CO levels obtained.

Fagerstrom score was used for nicotine addiction.Linear regression was performed to control for variables affecting COHb levels.

Mean carboxyhemoglobin level was 3.75% for waterpipe smokers,4.41% for cigarette smokers and 0.96%for controls (p<0.01. In the first 2 hrs after smoking, a significantly higher level of carboxyhemoglobin was observed among waterpipe smokers compared to cigarette smokers(6.1%vs. 4.6%,p<0.01). Among cigarette smokers, the mean COHb% was higher among addicted smokers (Fagerstrom score>6,p<.05). Mean COHb% increased significantly with increasing number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of cigarette smoked during the past 2 days(p<0.01). The mean COHb% was significantly lower among cigarette smokers with reduced FEV1% and FVC%. Cigarette smokers with chronic bronchitis had a significantly lower mean of COHb% compared to healthy cigarette smokers ( 4.7% vs 3.4% p<.01). Mean COHb% levels were signifantly higher in waterpipe smokers who smoked more than 25 hagars per week. Waterpipe smokers with COPD had a lower mean COHb% as compared to healthy waterpipe smokers(p<0.05). Linear logistic regression identified time since last smoking, pulmonary symptoms and impaired lung functions as independent factors that affected the COHb levels and the type of smoking ( waterpipe vs cigarettes) had no significant impact on COHb

 Conclusion:

 The COHb% levels are similar in waterpipe smokers and cigarette smokers when adjusted for time since last smoking, pulmonary symptoms and impaired lung functions.