Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the hematological and inflammatory parameters in heroin addicted adolescents.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 84 subjects, divided into three groups, Group1 (control, n=28), Group 2 (heroin-addicted adolescents on medication, n=28) and Group 3 (heroin addicted adolescents without treatment, n=28) were recruited. Hematological and inflammatory parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA using SPSS 23.
Results: Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and lymphocyte levels were significantly lower in group 3 when compared with other groups. Similarly, platelet, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were also significantly higher in group 3.
Conclusion: Heroin addiction in adolescents altered the physiological status, which led to vulnerability to infections and systemic inflammation. Neuroinflammation altered the neuronal pathways, which may contribute to behavioral changes in adolescents.

Key words: Adolescents, heroin addiction, hematological parameters, inflammatory ratios.