A double-blind trial of a 16-hour transdermal nicotine patch in smoking cessation

Article Abstract:

Only the combined use of nicotine gum and psychological support has proven effective in studies examining methods of attaining long-term smoking cessation. Nicotine patches are also being evaluated for use in helping people to quit smoking. They have proven effective in short-term smoking cessation studies. However, they differ from nicotine gum in that they provide a continuous flow of nicotine, whereas the gum releases nicotine when the smoker decides to chew it. The chewing action may also have a beneficial effect. To determine whether a nicotine patch is safe and effective in enabling people to achieve long-term smoking cessation, a 16-hour nicotine patch or a placebo patch was given to 289 smokers for daily use for 16 weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to either group; 145 received the nicotine patch and 144 were given the placebo. Results showed that subject characteristics were similar in both groups. Abstinence from smoking was higher in the treated group than in the placebo group. Success rates were 53 percent in the treatment group and 17 percent in the placebo group after 6 weeks, and 41 percent and 10 percent, respectively, after 12 weeks. One year after beginning the study, 17 percent of the subjects in the treatment group and 4 percent of those in the placebo group were not smoking. Compliance in using the patches was similar in both groups through the first week and then declined more quickly in the placebo group. Mild side effects from the nicotine patches were reported, including headaches, nausea, and vertigo. These results indicate that nicotine patches are effective in helping people to quit smoking. However, the one-year success rate of 17 percent is lower than that reported for the combined use of nicotine gum and behavioral therapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Smoking cessation programs, Smoking cessation

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The influence of a family history of asthma and parental smoking on airway responsiveness in early infancy

Article Abstract:

Asthma is usually thought to be caused by the interaction of hereditary and environmental influences, but the contribution of each is unknown. It is known that airway responsiveness (reaction of the breathing passages), indicating asthma, is present during the first year of life, but it is not known when it first develops. A second question is whether infants respond identically at birth, or if a difference is already present. Recently it has become possible to measure respiratory function in infants, providing objective measurements of the presence of asthma. Sixty-three infants between the ages of two and 10 weeks were studied. Airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine (a compound found in cells that is released by allergic or inflammatory reactions) was present in all but five of the infants, suggesting that the reaction may be present from birth. A family history of asthma was associated with an increased level of airway responsiveness, suggesting a genetic link. Airway responsiveness was also greater among infants whose parents reported smoking during pregnancy, although this study could not distinguish between effects before and after birth. On the other hand, it was found that immunoglobulin E (IgE) level did not predict airway responsiveness, although other studies have indicated otherwise. The conclusion is that responsiveness is present from birth, and is both inherited and environmental, caused in some cases by exposure to parental smoking. Whether or not airway responsiveness among infants predicts later levels of responsiveness, respiratory problems, or allergies is not clear. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Genetic aspects, Family, Asthmatics

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Childhood asthma after bacterial colonization of the airway in neonates

Article Abstract:

A study aims to find a possible association between bacterial colonization of the hypopharynx in asymptomatic neonates and later development of recurrent wheeze, asthma and allergy within 5 years of age. The results reveal that neonates colonized in the hypopharyngeal region with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis have higher risk for recurrent wheeze and asthma in early life.

United States, Risk factors, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clinical report

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