Adverse hematologic effects of alcohol.

Alcohol can interfere with the production of new blood cells--RBCs, granulocytes, and platelets; the ability of the host to resist infection; and normal hemostasis. Appreciation of the mechanisms behind this interference and the relative incidence and clinical patterns of each abnormality can be important in the management of affected patients. A limited history, physical examination, and a few screening tests should allow identification of persons who may have difficulty with anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and wound healing because of alcohol's hematologic toxicity.