RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effect of an electronic cigarette on smoking cessation and reduction: A prospective pilot study
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP p1074
VO 38
IS Suppl 55
A1 Riccardo Polosa
A1 Pasquale Caponnetto
A1 Jaymin Morjaria
A1 Gabriella Papale
A1 Davide Campagna
A1 Cristina Russo
A1 Massimo Caruso
YR 2011
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p1074.abstract
AB Background: Cigarette smoking is a tough addiction to break. Therefore, improved approaches to smoking cessation are necessary. The electronic cigarette may help smokers to remain abstinent during their quit attempt or to reduce cigarette consumption. To date there is no formal demonstration supporting the efficacy of these devices in smoking cessation and/or smoking reduction studies.Aim and objectives: We designed a prospective proof of concept study to monitor possible modifications in the smoking habits of 40 regular smokers experimenting the most popular marketed e-Cigarette in Italy (Categoria) focusing on smoking reduction and smoking abstinence.Methods: Study participants were invited to attend a total of 5 study visits: at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 12 and week 24. Product use, number of cigarettes smoked, and exhaled carbon monoxide levels were measured at each visit. Smoking reduction and abstinence rates were calculated.Results: A mean of 2.0 cartridges/day was used at week-24. Sustained 50% reduction in the number of cig/day at week-24 was shown in 13/40 (32.5%) participants; their median of 25 cigs/day decreased to 6 cigs/day (p<0.001). Sustained 80% reduction was shown in 5/40 (12.5%) participants; their median 30 cigs/day decreased to 3 cigs/day (p=0.043). Sustained smoking abstinence at week-24 was observed in 9/40 (22.5%) participants. Mouth (20,6%) and throat (32,4%) irritation, and dry cough (32,4%) were common, but diminished substantially by week-24. Participants' perception and acceptance of the product was good.Conclusion: The use of e-Cigarette substantially decreased cigarette consumption without causing significant side effects in smokers not intending to quit.