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Secondary polycythaemia with elevated carbon monoxide levels due to hookah pipe smoking: A public health concern.

T Moodley, K T Mannaru, A Hugo, J A Lines, J M van der Merwe, N Ramparsad, N S Holland

Abstract


Hookah pipe (HP) smoking is perceived as a harmless activity, enjoyed by young adults and high school-going children. Awareness of the health impact of recreational habits, and their intersection with new social norms in the COVID-era, requires critical review. We describe a case series of young HP smokers presenting with secondary polycythaemia with significant clinical sequelae necessitating extensive work-up. HP smoking may lead to acute and chronic carbon monoxide intoxication, with resultant secondary polycythaemia and complications including provoked thrombosis.


Authors' affiliations

T Moodley, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

K T Mannaru, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

A Hugo, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

J A Lines, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

J M van der Merwe, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

N Ramparsad, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

N S Holland, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa

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Keywords

Secondary polycythaemia; Thromboembolism; Carbon monoxide poisoning; Hookah pipe smoking

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2021;111(10):938-941. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2021.v111i10.15802

Article History

Date submitted: 2021-10-05
Date published: 2021-10-05

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