Evaluation of Complete Blood Cell Count Parameters and Their Role in Inflammation in Patients with Methamphetamine and Synthetic Cannabis Use Disorder

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the complete blood cell count parameters of patients with methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis use disorder (MCUD), a condition that has recently exhibited a gradual increase in prevalence, with those of healthy subjects.

Methods: In total, 76 patients diagnosed with MCUD and 78 healthy controls were included in the study. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants at presentation for laboratory examination.

Results: The rate of mono- and poly-substance users in the patient group was 14.5% and 85.5%, respectively. The average duration of methamphetamine (METH) use in the patient group is 3.0 ± 1.9 years. White blood cell (P < .001), PLT (P=.005), monocyte count (P < .001), basophil count (P < .001), neutrophil count (P < .001), lymphocyte count (P < .001) basophil/lymphocyte ratio (BLR) (P=.04), SII (P=.006), and SIRI (P= .001) values were significantly higher. In contrast Hgb (P=.043), Hct (P=.002), monocyte percentage (P=.004), and RBC (P= .021) values were significantly lower in the MCUD group compared to the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (r=.552 P < .001) and between systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) (r=0.580 P < .001).

Conclusion: Methamphetamine and cannabis may affect the levels of inflammatory markers and SII and SIRI values through various mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the relevant literature, which investigated SII and SIRI values in patients with MCUD, therefore, the results can contribute to the future development of immune system-related markers in this field.

Cite this article as: Sehlikoğlu Ş, Yıldız S, Kazğan Kılıçaslan A, Kurt O, Göçüm E, Han Almiş B. Evaluation of complete blood cell count parameters and their role in inflammation in patients with methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis use disorder. Psychiatry Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024;34(2):134-143.