Smoking cessation effectiveness in smokers with obstructive respiratory disease

Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is associated with increased morbidity and reduced sensitivity to medication in asthmatic patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation treatment in a sub-population of smokers with COPD and asthma in real life conditions and to compare the efficacy of three specific pharmacological agents. A total of 2139 adults,current smokers were enrolled in the study.298 subjects suffered from obstructive respiratory disease (COPD n=175,asthma n=123). After an initial counseling by a respiratory physician smokers were allocated to treatment either with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRTs), Bupropion SR or Varenicline. The CO-confirmed continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at the end of treatment (weeks 9-12) and during the follow-up period are shown in table 1.The abstinence rate in respiratory patients was 60.9% at the end of treatment and 39.9% in 12 months. Table 1. Continuous abstinence rate At the end of treatment 6 months 12 months Control smokers 56.6% 52.4% 39.4% COPD-Astma 60.9% 55.1% 39.3% The abstinence rates for the three treatment groups in respiratory patients are shown in table 2. Table 2. CAR in respiratory patients in different treatment groups NRT (n=61) Bupropion (n=79) Varenicline (n=117) At the end on treatment 50.9% 56.2% 75.6% 6 months 55.3% 54% 66.7% 12 months 46.7% 37.7% 47.8% Conclusion: Smoking cessation treatments are highly effective in smokers with respiratory co-morbidity as asthma and COPD and it can be achieved with all approved pharmacological agents through a personal approach,motivation and intensive follow-up program.