Short term effects of reduced exposure to cigarette smoke on white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells in adult cigarette smokers

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that cigarette smokers have a 5-30% higher white blood cell counts (WBC) compared to non-smokers and higher red blood cell counts.

Methods: This study was to pool hematology data from three similar studies and analyze the data for effects on WBC, its subpopulations, platelets, red blood cell count (RBC) and hematocrit in adult cigarette smokers three days after using an electrically heated cigarette smoking system (EHCSS) as a potential reduced exposure product (PREP) or no-smoking compared to smoking a conventional cigarette.

Results: Lower exposure to cigarette smoke in adult, long term smokers, by using an EHCSS or stopping smoking, leads to statistically significant decreases of up to 9% in WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, RBC and hematocrit within three days. Switching from CC-smoking to EHCSS-smoking or no-smoking resulted in lower WBC and vice versa within 3 days.

Conclusion: This clinical model may be used as a screening tool to find new technologies that could provide insights on changes in inflammation resulting from the change in cigarette smoke.