Are e‐cigarettes effective in smoking cessation?

Introduction:
This text is a comprehensive review of the current scientific literature regarding the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation. It presents the findings from various studies, including randomized controlled trials and longitudinal cohort studies, to help readers understand the potential benefits and limitations of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.

Key Points:

* E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, but their effectiveness in smoking cessation remains controversial.
* A randomized controlled trial by Bullen et al. found that e-cigarettes were no more effective than nicotine patches in smoking cessation at 6 months (7.3% vs. 5.8%).
* A longitudinal study by Grana et al. found that e-cigarette use did not significantly predict quitting or reducing cigarette consumption.
* A systematic review by Pepper et al. found that successful quitting was not associated with e-cigarette use, although there were reports of smoking cessation or reduction.
* A prospective randomized study by Caponnetto et al. found that e-cigarettes were associated with a statistically significant decrease in smoking and adverse events, but there was no significant difference among study groups.
* Longitudinal studies of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation are based on level Ib (randomized controlled trial) and 2b (individual cohort study) evidence.
* Nonlongitudinal studies are based on level 4 evidence (systematic review of levels 3 and 4 evidence).

Main Message:
The scientific literature suggests that e-cigarettes are no more effective than existing smoking cessation products, and their long-term safety profile remains unknown. Therefore, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. In the meantime, healthcare providers should consider the current evidence and guidelines when recommending smoking cessation aids to their patients.

Lee, Andrew H. Y., Brian J. Stater, Lanny Close, and Rahmatullah Rahmati. “Are E‐cigarettes Effective in Smoking Cessation?” The Laryngoscope 125, no. 4 (April 2015): 785–87. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.24954.