Electronic cigarettes are more effective at stopping smoking than nicotine replacement therapies



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1. At one year, patients badigned to e-cigarettes for smoking cessation had a higher smoking abstinence rate compared to those randomized to a nicotine replacement group when they were accompanied by nicotine replacement therapy. Behavioral support.

2. The production of cough and phlegm decreased by more than one year in the group of electronic cigarettes compared to the nicotine replacement group.

Level of evidence: 1 (Excellent)

Detailed study: It is difficult to quit smoking for many smokers. While the ideal is the complete elimination of smoking and the use of nicotine-related products, the use of electronic cigarettes is considered a healthier alternative compared to smoking. This study aimed to compare the use of electronic cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies, both supplemented by behavioral support, with respect to their effectiveness in a smoking cessation program. At one year, randomized patients in the electronic cigarette group had higher rates of smoking cessation compared to patients using nicotine replacement therapy. Relapse rates did not differ between the two groups. The adverse effects of wheezing and shortness of breath were similar between the two groups.

This trial showed that e-cigarettes, while not a completely harmless treatment, can make a significant contribution to reducing smoking. Strengths include the duration of follow-up and follow-up of adverse events, while the behavioral support program may generally limit the generalizability of results.

Click to read the study in NEJM

Relevant Reading: Actual Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarettes When Used to Help Quit Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Population Study

In depth [randomized controlled trial]: This multicenter randomized controlled trial included patients in the UK between 2015 and 2018. Eligible patients were smokers having no preference for electronic cigarettes over nicotine replacement and did not use any drugs. products at the time of registration. Patients were randomized on the first day of quitting for an electronic cigarette (n = 438) or a nicotine replacement (n = 446). All patients received 4 weeks of behavioral support with clinicians. Patients in the nicotine replacement group received 3 months of the product of their choice (gum, patch, etc.), while those in the electronic cigarette group received a starter kit and a reusable container containing nicotine. Patients were followed up to 52 weeks, the main result being smoking cessation. At one year, smoking abstinence rates were 18.0% and 9.9%, respectively, in the e-cigarette and nicotine replacement groups (relative risk). [RR]1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]1.30 to 2.58; P <0.001). The number of subjects to be treated for smoking abstinence after one year with the use of electronic cigarettes was 12 (95% CI, 8 to 27). In patients who were not at complete abstinence from smoking, carbon monoxide levels were lower in the group of electronic cigarettes than in the nicotine group. The delay before relapse did not differ between treatment groups. For those who stopped smoking at one year, 80% (63/79) of the electronic cigarette group were actively using their treatment support, while 9% (4/44) of those in the Nicotine used a replacement medicine. product. Participants felt that e-cigarettes were more satisfying and more useful for avoiding smoking than nicotine replacement products. Among patients who initially had cough or phlegm, more users of e-cigarettes had no symptoms after one year, compared to nicotine users.

Picture: PD

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