Introduction:
This text presents the results of the ECLAT study, the first randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) in reducing smoking consumption and the possibility of adverse events in smokers not intending to quit. The study aimed to evaluate smoking reduction, smoking abstinence, and adverse events in smokers using different nicotine strengths of a popular e-cigarette brand.
Key Points:
* The ECLAT study is a three-arms double-blind, controlled, randomized, clinical trial involving 300 regular smokers not intending to quit.
* Participants were randomized into three groups and received either 7.2 mg nicotine cartridges, a combination of 7.2 mg and 5.4 mg nicotine cartridges, or no-nicotine cartridges for 12 weeks.
* The study consisted of nine visits, during which smoking habits, eCO levels, adverse events, vital signs, and product preference were assessed.
* A significant reduction in cigarette consumption and eCO levels was observed in all three study groups.
* Reduction and quit rates were similar in the two nicotine groups and the no-nicotine group, with no significant difference.
* Adverse events were infrequent and not significantly different among study groups.
* Participants' perception and liking of the product were satisfactory.
Main Message:
The ECLAT study demonstrates that e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine, can decrease cigarette consumption and elicit enduring tobacco abstinence without causing significant side effects in smokers not intending to quit. These findings suggest that e-cigarettes may be an effective and safe cigarette substitute, which merits further evaluation for reducing tobacco smoking consumption and the burden of cigarette smoking.
Citation
Caponnetto, Pasquale, Davide Campagna, Fabio Cibella, Jaymin B. Morjaria, Massimo Caruso, Cristina Russo, and Riccardo Polosa. “EffiCiency and Safety of an eLectronic cigAreTte (ECLAT) as Tobacco Cigarettes Substitute: A Prospective 12-Month Randomized Control Design Study.” Edited by Bernard Le Foll. PLoS ONE 8, no. 6 (June 24, 2013): e66317. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0066317.
Caponnetto, Pasquale, Davide Campagna, Fabio Cibella, Jaymin B. Morjaria, Massimo Caruso, Cristina Russo, and Riccardo Polosa. “EffiCiency and Safety of an eLectronic cigAreTte (ECLAT) as Tobacco Cigarettes Substitute: A Prospective 12-Month Randomized Control Design Study.” Edited by Bernard Le Foll. PLoS ONE 8, no. 6 (June 24, 2013): e66317. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0066317.
