IMPACT OF SMOKING STATUS ON CADMIUM ACCUMULATION IN PLEURAL FLUID AMONG RESPIRATORY DISEASE PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory illnesses are significant public health concerns, particularly in developing countries due to prevalent environmental pollution and smoking. Cadmium, a harmful heavy metal in cigarette smoke, can accumulate in the respiratory system and potentially worsen health issues. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of smoking status on cadmium accumulation in pleural fluid among patients with respiratory conditions.

Methodology: District Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, hosted an analytical cross-sectional study involving fifty patients aged 25 to 44 with respiratory conditions, divided into smokers (n = 25) and non-smokers, along with twenty healthy control participants. Cadmium concentrations in pleural fluid samples, collected sterilely, were measured using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ETAAS), and statistical analysis was conducted with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Compared to non-smokers (4. 36 ± 1. 21 µg/L) and controls (1. 92 ± 0. 64 µg/L) smokers had significantly higher levels of cadmium in pleural fluid (8. 72 ± 1. 95 µg/L). Significant differences between all groups were revealed by statistical analysis (p 0. 05). Heavy smokers had the highest concentrations of cadmium which increased in a dose-dependent manner with smoking intensity. Smokers were more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease whereas non-smokers were more likely to have asthma and tuberculosis.

Conclusion: Smoking is linked to a higher incidence of respiratory diseases and greatly increases the accumulation of cadmium in pleural fluid. In order to lower heavy metal toxicity and enhance respiratory health outcomes these findings emphasize the significance of quitting smoking and keeping an eye on environmental exposures.