Evaluation of Serum Eletrolyte and Anion Gap of Short and Long-Term Cigarette Smokers in Esan West Ekpoma, Edo State

Abstract

Cigarette smoking continues to pose a significant challenge to public health worldwide because of its detrimental effects on numerous physiological processes, including electrolyte regulation and maintenance of acid-base equilibrium. This study investigated the influence of cigarette smoking on serum electrolyte concentrations and anion gap among residents of Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. An analytical cross-sectional case-control design was adopted, involving a total of one hundred participants consisting of fifty active cigarette smokers and fifty apparently healthy non-smokers who served as the control group. Venous blood samples were obtained from all participants and analyzed for serum sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and anion gap using the ion-selective electrode (ISE) technique. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed in serum sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, or anion gap values between both study groups. Evaluation of smoking duration revealed a significant influence on serum sodium levels and anion gap values. Individuals with a longer history of smoking exhibited higher sodium concentrations and increased anion gap values compared with those who had smoked for a shorter period (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated strong positive associations between smoking duration and serum sodium concentration (r = 0.762) as well as anion gap (r = 0.722). Neither age nor gender showed a significant effect on the measured electrolyte parameters. The study therefore suggests that cigarette smoking may contribute to alterations in electrolyte homeostasis, particularly through increased serum potassium levels. Additionally, prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke may predispose individuals to elevated sodium concentrations and disturbances in acid-base balance that could increase the likelihood of metabolic acidosis.