Effectiveness and tolerability of electronic cigarette in real-life: a 24-month prospective observational study

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study on the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of electronic cigarettes (e-Cigarettes) used in a "naturalistic" setting. The study followed a group of smokers who were not intending to quit and provided them with e-Cigarettes for 6 months, followed by a 24-month observation period. The study assessed smoking reduction and abstinence, as well as adverse events.

Key Points:

* The study found that long-term e-Cigarette use can substantially decrease cigarette consumption in smokers not willing to quit and is well tolerated.
* Of the 40 subjects, 17 were lost to follow-up at 24 months.
* A >50% reduction in the number of cigarettes per day at 24 months was shown in 27.5% of participants.
* Smoking abstinence was reported in 12.5% of participants while combined >50% reduction and smoking abstinence was observed in 40% of participants at 24 months.
* Five subjects stopped e-Cigarette use (and stayed quit), three relapsed back to tobacco smoking and four upgraded to more performing products by 24 months.
* Only some mouth irritation, throat irritation, and dry cough were reported. Withdrawal symptoms were uncommon.
* The study was conducted on a specific e-Cigarette brand ("Categoria" e-Cigarette; Arbi Group Srl, Italy)

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that long-term e-Cigarette use can help smokers not willing to quit to reduce their cigarette consumption and is well tolerated. The study provides evidence for the effectiveness and safety of e-Cigarettes in the context of smoking reduction, and suggests that e-Cigarettes may be an effective and safe cigarette substitute. However, it is important to note that this study was conducted on a specific e-Cigarette brand and more research is needed to establish the long-term safety and tolerability of e-Cigarettes, particularly after extended use and with different brands and models. Additionally, the study did not have a control group and the results must be interpreted with caution.

Polosa, Riccardo, Jaymin B. Morjaria, Pasquale Caponnetto, Davide Campagna, Cristina Russo, Angela Alamo, MariaDomenica Amaradio, and Alfredo Fisichella. “Effectiveness and Tolerability of Electronic Cigarette in Real-Life: A 24-Month Prospective Observational Study.” Internal and Emergency Medicine 9, no. 5 (August 2014): 537–46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-013-0977-z.