DENVER – Although electronic cigarettes are widely promoted as a smoking cessation tool, no sound data exist to support their use beyond 1 month as a way to kick the smoking habit, results from the largest meta-analysis of its kind suggest.
In an interview at an international conference of the America Thoracic Society, study author Dr. Matthew B. Stanbrook highlighted results from the review, which included 297 articles published to May 2014.
The meta-analysis showed that point prevalence abstinence was significantly better for e-cigarettes, compared with placebo, at 1 month (relative risk, 1.71). That effect, however, was no longer observed at 3- or 6-month follow-ups.
The most common adverse events noted in the studies were dry cough, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
Dr. Stanbrook reported having no relevant financial conflicts.
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