Smoking cessation prior to elective total joint arthroplasty results in sustained abstinence postoperatively

BACKGROUND Tobacco use is a well-documented modifiable risk factor for perioperative complications.AIM To determine the tobacco abstinence rates of patients who made cessation efforts prior to a total joint arthroplasty(TJA)procedure.METHODS A retrospective evaluation was performed on 88 self-reported tobacco users who underwent TJA between 2014-2022 and had tobacco cessation dates within 3 mo of surgery.Eligible patients were contacted via phone survey to understand their tobacco use pattern,and patient reported outcomes.A total of 37 TJA patients participated.RESULTS Our cohort was on average 61-years-old,60%(n=22)women,with an average body mass index of 30 kg/m^(2).The average follow-up time was 2.9±1.9 years.A total of 73.0%(n=27)of patients endorsed complete abstinence from tobacco use prior to surgery.Various cessation methods were used perioperatively including prescription therapy(13.5%),over the counter nicotine replacement(18.9%),cessation programs(5.4%).At final follow up,43.2%(n=16)of prior tobacco smokers reported complete abstinence.Patients who were able to maintain cessation postoperatively had improved Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS)-10 mental health scores(49 vs 58;P=0.01),and hip dysfunction and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement(HOOS.JR)scores(63 vs 82;P=0.02).No patients in this cohort had a prosthetic joint infection or required revision surgery.CONCLUSION We report a tobacco cessation rate of 43.2%in patients undergoing elective TJA nearly 3 years postoperatively.Patients undergoing TJA who were able to remain abstinent had improved PROMIS-10 mental health scores and HOOS.JR scores.The perioperative period provides clinicians a unique opportunity to assist active tobacco smokers with cessation efforts and improve postoperative outcomes.

The effect of alcohol and eligibility for liver transplant:a critical review

Background:Alcohol-related liver disease(ALRD)has emerged as a significant global health concern,primarily attributed to the overconsumption of alcohol.While alcoholism has the potential to impact various organs,it is the liver that is especially vulnerable.Methods:This review comprehensively examines the challenges encountered during the pre-transplant,intra-transplant,and post-transplant phases,a significant number of which are attributable to alcohol misuse.Historically,liver transplant(LT)programmes have excluded patients with alcohol-related liver disease(ARLD)due to mandatory abstinence requirements and apprehensions regarding potential graft shortages for other hepatic diseases.This review counters these concerns by highlighting the minimal usage of grafts for early liver transplantation.It strongly advocates for the incorporation of severe alcoholic hepatitis into the model for end-stage liver disease allocation,devoid of any stigmatization.The selection of ARLD individuals for LT necessitates the critical involvement of a multidisciplinary team,inclusive of addiction specialists.Results:Despite the complexities associated with LT for patients with ARLD,this review underscores its therapeutic advantages,particularly for those anticipated to experience severe adverse effects.This review accentuates the necessity of ensuring equitable access to medical interventions for all patients,irrespective of their lifestyle choices.Conclusion:The examination of genetic and epigenetic variables that play a role in the onset and advancement of ALD.The identification of potential therapy strategies is also an important area of study.The formulation of intricate eligibility rules for LT in patients with a past of alcohol abuse needs essential interactions between medical practitioners and researchers.The use of new technologies such as genomics and epigenomics could boost the accuracy of ALD diagnostic and prognostic approaches.These targeted investigations could potentially lead to major improvements in the management and treatment results of ALD.

Study on the feasibility of five tones combined with electric acupuncture therapy for drug rehabilitation

Objective:To explore the feasibility of five tones combined with electro-acupuncture for drug rehabilitation.Methods:Search and screen the literature related to drug rehabilitation with musical electrico-acupuncture in PubMed,CNKI,CQVIP and Wanfang data to May 2019,and summarize and analyze the literature.Results:Either music therapy or acupuncture therapy has therapeutic responses respectively,and the combined use of both is more effective than the single-use.Conclusion:The combination of five tones and acupuncture is highly feasible for drug rehabilitation.

Liver transplantation and alcoholic liver disease:History,controversies,and considerations

Alcohol consumption accounts for 3.8% of annual global mortality worldwide, and the majority of these deaths are due to alcoholic liver disease(ALD), mainly alcoholic cirrhosis. ALD is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation(LT). However, it remains a complicated topic on both medical and ethical grounds, as it is seen by many as a "self-inflicted disease". One of the strongest ethical arguments against LT for ALD is the probability of relapse. However, ALD remains a common indication for LT worldwide. For a patient to be placed on an LT waiting list, 6 mo of abstinence must have been achieved for most LT centers. However, this "6-mo rule" is an arbitrary threshold and has never been shown to affect survival, sobriety, or other outcomes. Recent studies have shown similar survival rates among individuals who undergo LT for ALD and those who undergo LT for other chronic causes of end-stage liver disease. There are specific factors that should be addressed when evaluating LT patients with ALD because these patients commonly have a high prevalence of multisystem alcohol-related changes. Risk factors for relapse include the presence of anxiety or depressive disorders, short pre-LT duration of sobriety, and lack of social support. Identification of risk factors and strengthening of the social support system may decrease relapse among these patients. Family counseling for LT candidates is highly encouraged to prevent alcohol consumption relapse. Relapse has been associated with unique histopathological changes, graft damage, graft loss, and even decreased survival in some studies. Research has demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation of LT candidates. Complete abstinence should be attempted to overcome addiction issues and to allow spontaneous liver recovery. Abstinence is the cornerstone of ALD therapy. Psychotherapies, including 12-step facilitation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy, help support abstinence. Nutritional therapy helps to reverse muscle wasting, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and trace element deficiencies associated with ALD. For muscular recovery, supervised physical activity has been shown to lead to a gain in muscle mass and improvement of functional activity. Early LT for acute alcoholic hepatitis has been the subject of recent clinical studies, with encouraging results in highly selected patients. The survival rates after LT for ALD are comparable to those of patients who underwent LT for other indications. Patients that undergo LT for ALD and survive over 5 years have a higher risk of cardiorespiratory disease, cerebrovascular events, and de novo malignancy.

Metadoxine improves the three- and six-month survival rates in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis

AIM:To evaluate the impact of metadoxine(MTD) on the 3- and 6-mo survival of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis(AH).METHODS:This study was an open-label clinical trial,performed at the"Hospital General de México,Dr.Eduardo Liceaga".We randomized 135 patients who met the criteria for severe AH into the following groups:35 patients received prednisone(PDN)40 mg/d,35patients received PDN+MTD 500 mg three times daily,33 patients received pentoxifylline(PTX)400 mg three times daily,and 32 patients received PTX+MTD 500 mg three times daily.The duration of the treatment for all of the groups was 30 d.RESULTS:In the groups treated with the MTD,thesurvival rate was higher at 3 mo(PTX+MTD 59.4%vs PTX 33.3%,P=0.04;PDN+MTD 68.6%vs PDN20%,P=0.0001)and at 6 mo(PTX+MTD 50%vs PTX18.2%,P=0.01;PDN+MTD 48.6%vs PDN 20%,P=0.003)than in the groups not treated with MTD.A relapse in alcohol intake was the primary independent factor predicting mortality at 6 mo.The patients receiving MTD maintained greater abstinence than those who did not receive it(74.5%vs 59.4%,P=0.02).CONCLUSION:MTD improves the 3-and 6-mo survival rates in patients with severe AH.Alcohol abstinence is a key factor for survival in these patients.The patients who received the combination therapy with MTD were more likely to maintain abstinence than those who received monotherapy with either PDN or PTX.

Management of alcoholic hepatitis:Current concepts

Alcoholic hepatitis is a devastating form of acute liver injury seen in chronic alcohol abusers with significant morbidity and mortality.It is a multisystem disease that is precipitated by ingesting large quantities of alcohol with genetic and environmental factors playing a role.Prognostic criteria have been developed to predict disease severity and these criteria can serve as indicators to initiate medical therapy.Primary therapy remains abstinence and supportive care,as continued alcohol abuse is the most important risk factor for disease progression.The cornerstone of supportive care remains aggressive nutritional support,and although acute alcoholic hepatitis has been extensively studied,few specific medical therapies have been successful.Corticosteroids remain the most effective medical therapy available in improving short term survival in a select group of patients with alcoholic hepatitis;however,the long-term outcome of drug therapies is still not entirely clear and further clinical investigation is necessary.While liver transplantation for acute alcoholic hepatitis have demonstrated promising results,this practice remains controversial and has not been advocated universally,with most transplant centers requiring a prolonged period of abstinence before considering transplantation.Extracorporeal liver support devices,although still experimental,have been developed as a form of liver support to give additional time for liver regeneration.These have the potential for a significant therapeutic option in the future for this unfortunately dreadful disease.

Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease(ALD) is the second commonest indication for liver transplantation after viral hepatitis in the United States and Europe.Controversies surround the indications and allocation of scarce and expensive resource for this so called self inflicted disease.Controversies stem from the apprehension that alcoholic recipients are likely to relapse and cause damage to the graft.There is a need to select those candidates with lower risk for relapse with the available predictive factors and scores.Substance abuse specialist and psychiatrists are mandatory in the pre-transplant evaluation and in the post-transplant follow-up.There is conflicting evidence to support a fixed period of pretransplant abstinence,although most units do follow this.Alcoholic hepatitis(AH) continues to be a contraindication for transplantation,however there is a need for further research in this f ield as a subset of patients with AH who do not respond to medical treatment,have high early mortality and could benefit from transplantation.One year,3-year,and 5-year survival post-transplant is similar for both ALD and non-ALD recipients.The incidence of post-transplant rejection and retransplantation is also similar to other recipients.ALD with viral hepatitis especially hepatitis C virus leads to a more aggressive liver disease with early presentation for transplantation.ALD patients are more prone to develop de-novo malignancy;this is attributed to the long term effect of alcohol,tobacco combined with immunosuppression.Post-transplant surveillance is important to detect early relapse to alcoholism,presence of de-novo malignancy and treat the same adequately.

Liver transplantation in acute alcoholic hepatitis:Current status and future development

Acute alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a distinct clinical entity amongst patients with chronic alcohol abuse.Patients with severe AH are at risk of dying in about 20%-25% cases despite specific treatment with corticosteroids and/or pentoxifylline.Clearly,a need for an additional more effective treatment option is unmet currently.Liver transplantation (LT),a definitive treatment option for alcoholic cirrhosis requires 6 mo abstinence.However,this rule cannot be applied to patients with AH as these patients are actively drinking prior to their presentation.Shortage of donors,ethical issues,and fear of recidivism after transplantation with less than 6 mo pretransplant abstinence are some of the reasons behind this rule of 6 mo of abstinence and hesitancy of transplanting patients with AH.These issues are debated at length in this manuscript.Further,retrospective studies have shown that patients undergoing transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis and having histological changes of AH have been shown to fare as well when compared to patients without these histological changes.Recently,French workers have reported a case matched prospective study showing encouraging data on the usefulness of LT for patients who are non-responders to cortico-steroid and/or pentoxifylline therapy.Future studies are needed to identify patients with severe AH who are going to benefit most with LT.In the light of emerging data on the efficacy of LT in improving survival of patients with severe acute AH who do not respond to corticosteroids,the time is ripe to re-evaluate our policy of LT in patients with AH.

Alcohol liver disease: A review of current therapeutic approaches to achieve long-term abstinence

Harmful alcohol drinking may lead to significant damage on any organ or system of the body.Alcoholic liver disease(ALD) is the most prevalent cause of advanced liver disease in Europe.In ALD,only alcohol abstinence was associated with a better long-term survival.Therefore,current effective therapeutic strategy should be oriented towards achieving alcohol abstinence or a significant reduction in alcohol consumption.Screening all primary care patients to detect those cases with alcohol abuse has been proposed as population-wide preventive intervention in primary care.It has been suggested that in patients with mild alcohol use disorder the best approach is brief intervention in the primary care setting with the ultimate goal being abstinence,whereas patients with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder must be referred to specialized care where detoxification and medical treatment of alcohol dependence must be undertaken.

Understanding that Addiction Is a Brain Disorder Offers Help and Hope

We refute the controversial statement that addiction is not a brain disorder. Extensive peer-reviewed studies support the underlying neurobiological and neurogenetic basis of addiction’s “disease model”. In the 70s and 80s, a few clinical scientists suggested that it is possible to use behavioral training to teach controlled drinking. However, this controversial model failed drastically and increased labeling and stigmatization. Additionally, it was unhelpful in the search for treatment. Instead, we assert that addiction is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a recurring desire to continue taking substances despite harmful physical and mental consequences. Work from our laboratory in 1995 supported the Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) concept based on a common neurogenetic mechanism (hypodopaminergia) that underlies all substance and non-substance addictions. Non-substance addictions include behaviors like pathological gambling, internet addiction, and mobile phone addiction. Certain impulsive and compulsive behaviors or the acute intake of psychoactive substances result in heightened dopaminergic activity, while the opposite, hypodopaminergia, occurs following chronic abuse. Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can have a genetic predisposition compounded by stress or other epigenetic insults that can impact recovery. Relapse will occur post-short-term recovery if dopaminergic dysfunction remains untreated. Addiction, a brain disorder, requires treatment with DNA-directed pro-dopamine regulation and rehabilitation.

Alcohol Cessation in Late Life is Associated with Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment among the Older Adults in China

Objective Evidence regarding alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment is controversial.Whether cessation of drinking alcohol by non-dependent drinkers alters the risk of cognitive impairment remains unknown.This study prospectively evaluated the potential association between the history of lifetime alcohol cessation and risk of cognitive impairment.Methods This study included 15,758 participants age 65 years or older,selected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey(CLHLS)that covered 23 provinces in China.Current alcohol use status,duration of alcohol cessation,and alcohol consumption before abstinence were self-reported by participants;cognitive function was evaluated using Mini-mental State Examination(MMSE).Causespecific hazard models and restricted cubic splines were applied to estimate the effect of alcohol use on cognitive impairment.Results Among the 15,758 participants,mean(±SD)age was 82.8 years(±11.9 years),and 7,199(45.7%)were males.During a mean of 3.9 years of follow-up,3,404 cases were identified as cognitive impairment.Compared with current drinkers,alcohol cessation of five to nine years[adjusted HR,0.79(95%CI:0.66-0.96)]and more than nine years[adjusted HR,0.82(95%CI:0.69-0.98)]were associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment.Conclusion A longer duration of alcohol cessation was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment assessed by MMSE.Alcohol cessation is never late for older adults to prevent cognitive impairment.

Global research production in neonatal abstinence syndrome: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND Recently,neonatal abstinence syndrome(NAS)emerged as a significant global concern with a dramatic increase in healthcare expenditures.The incidence of the NAS has increased notably in the past decade and emergence as a global public health problem.AIM To evaluate the development and trend of global NAS research from 1958 to 2019 by bibliometric analysis.METHODS Analyzed aspects included publication output per year,language,document types,journals,countries/territories,h-index,authors,and top research priorities.The VOSviewer was used to determine the top research priorities,and trends,and to present bibliometric networks concerning various dimensions,such as coauthorship,authors,and countries.RESULTS A total of 1738 articles were retrieved in the Scopus database from 1958 to 2019.It was found that the great majority of the total NAS documents(n=1295)were original articles followed by reviews(n=268)and letters(n=48).The most productive countries in the NAS field were the United States(n=833),Canada(n=112),the United Kingdom(n=111),and Germany(n=77).Treatment and hospital outcomes in NAS,evidence-based nurse-driven interventions for the care of newborns with NAS,and a systematic reviews and network meta-analysis for therapeutic approaches of NAS were found in recent years(after 2010),compared with terms such as pathophysiology,mechanisms of NAS,and signs and symptoms in the early years.CONCLUSION Treatment and pediatric outcomes and the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment may be frontiers in the NAS field,and continued efforts from researchers are needed in those topics.

Using Umbilical Cord Tissue to Identify Prenatal Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Commonly Abused Drugs

Background: Prenatal exposure to fentanyl may lead to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a constellation of symptoms observed when newborns begin withdrawing from addictive substances such as opioids. The use of umbilical cord tissue segments (UC) for newborn toxicology has been increasing due to its apparent long detection window, sensitivity, and ease of collection. However, very little has been reported in the literature concerning the prevalence of in utero exposure to fentanyl and co-exposure with other commonly abused substances. Specific aim: The specific aims of this retrospective study are twofold. We will report prevalence of neonatal exposure to fentanyl for a nationwide high-risk population using UC submitted to a national reference laboratory for routine forensic toxicology analysis and the co-exposure patterns observed for these fentanyl-exposed neonates. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed using historical data for UC received between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 for routine forensic toxicology analysis. Results: During the study period, our laboratory received 23,104 UC for analysis and 9667 (41.8%) of those UC were positive for at least one drug. The prevalence of fentanyl detection was 1.9% (n = 429). Of these 429 specimens there were 407 UC where both fentanyl and norfentanyl were detected. There were 14 UC where only fentanyl was detected and 8 UC where only norfentanyl was detected. When detected, the median concentrations of fentanyl and norfentanyl were 4029 pg/g (IQR: 1696, 9230 pg/g) and 10,756 pg/mg (IQR: 3925, 25,288 pg/g), respectively. Of the 429 positive fentanyl and/or norfentanyl UC, 33 (7.7%) were only positive for fentanyl and/or norfentanyl. Of the 396 polypositive UC, morphine was the highest co-exposure with 243 UC (56.6%) being positive for both fentanyls and morphine. The second most prevalent co-exposure observed was methamphetamine/amphetamine (n = 173;40.3%) followed by cannabinoids (n = 113;26.3%) and benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite;n = 106;24.7%). Conclusions: Nonmedical use of fentanyl is an alarming trend in this country including this maternal demographic reported here. Fentanyl was typically found with other commonly abused substances.

Perceptions of post-transplant recidivism in liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease

Although alcoholic liver disease(ALD) is regarded as a common indication for liver transplantation(LT), debatable issues exist on the requirement for preceding alcoholic abstinence, appropriate indication criteria, predictive factors for alcoholic recidivism, and outcomes following living-donor LT. In most institutions, an abstinence period of six months before LT has been adopted as a mandatory selection criterion. Data indicating that pre-transplant abstinence is an associated predictive factor for alcoholic recidivism supports the reasoning behind this. However, conclusive evidence about the benefit of adopting an abstinence period is yet to be established. On the other hand, a limited number of reports available on living-donor LT experiences for ALD patients suggest that organ donations from relatives have no suppressive effect on alcoholic recidivism. Prevention of alcoholic recidivism has proved to be the most important treatment after LT based on the resultant inferior long-term outcome of patients. Further evaluations are still needed to establish strategies before and after LT for ALD.

General aspects of the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis

General measures for treating patients with alcoholic hepatitis(AH) are similar irrespective of the disease severity.Alcohol abstinence is the cornerstone of treatment and can be achieved with appropriate social support,Alcoholics Anonymous and sometimes pharmacological therapy.Alcohol withdrawal should be anticipated and treatment initiated to prevent this complication.Treatment for complications of cirrhosis should be as for any other patient with cirrhosis.AH patients are particularly prone to infections and malnutrition.These should be identified and treated appropriately using broad spectrum antibiotics and nutritional support respectively.

Evaluation of Perinatal and Developmental Outcomes in Neonates with Abstinence Syndrome Admitted to NICU

Drug abuse by pregnant women is one of the significant problems for mothers and their neonates.This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal substance use disorder during pregnancy on neonatal developmental criteria.In a case-control study,clinical records of 90 neonates diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome who were admitted to NICU in one of four hospitals affiliated with Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran,Iran between 2017 and 2020 were compared to 90 neonates without neonatal abstinence syndrome(control group).Demographic information and data for neonatal developmental characteristics and complications were extracted from the clinical records of this convenience sample.Data for the type and method of maternal substance use during pregnancy were collected through a telephone call with mothers.Our data showed that the prevalence of drug addiction was 1.8%among pregnant women,and the most common drugs used by mothers were opium(n=45%,50%),amphetamine(n=30%,33%),and methadone(n=14%,16%).Neonates with abstinence syndrome had a higher prevalence of transient tachypnea of the newborn(TTN)(P=0.004),and a prevalence of being admitted to NICU(P=0.05)and for a longer duration(P<0.001).Their mothers had a higher prevalence of having pre-eclampsia(P=0.010).Using morphine vs.amphetamine showed no difference based on their effects on mothers and neonates.Substance use during pregnancy increased the prevalence of pregnancy complications(pre-eclampsia)and neonatal complications(TTN and prevalence and duration of hospitalization).Therefore,planning for the development of health policies to raise awareness among women and more broadly,all members of the community,is important to prevent the tendency to engage in this potentially high-risk behavior.

Personal Accounts of Mothers’ Use of Social Media to Support Abstinence from Alcohol

Alcohol consumption by professional educated women and mothers is rising. Drinking alcohol in the home is, for many, becoming a normalised and daily ritual. Previous research focuses on causality, risk factors and health related damage. Few studies focus on mothers of school age children specifically or why some mothers pursue and sustain alcohol free lives. The role of social media in enacting and sustaining abstinence is under researched, as are other factors important for this group in remaining abstinent. Aims: This qualitative study explored the reasons why mothers drank alcohol, and factors contributing to their decision to become alcohol free. It also explored the value and utility of social media in the form of a specific website aimed at providing support in abstinence. Methods: Six UK mothers with school age children who had become abstinent after previously drinking over official limits were recruited via social network website and interviewed. Transcripts were analysed thematically and inductive themes emerged. Results: Participants used alcohol to self-medicate, as a reward/relaxation strategy and because it was a normal part of their professional and daily lives. Reported reasons for abstinence included the negative effects alcohol had upon lives, inability to moderate/drink within guidelines and “trigger” events. Participants reported that their use of social media was inspirational, giving them a platform to share stories and help others and was preferred to traditional support. The use of social media in this way represented a supportive community and assisted vigilance toward the danger of relapse. Positive parenting identity, alternatives to alcohol, abstinence rewards and support from abstinent others were all factors in sustaining abstinence. Conclusions: Health professionals should recognise this hidden and hard to reach group and the potential efficacy of social media in assisting recovery from alcohol related issues.

Do the Malawian Secondary School Pupils’ Perceived Needs in HIV/AIDS Education Provide an Initial Measure of the Effectiveness of the Curricula？ The Case of Zomba Urban Secondary Schools

The needs of young people in classroom based HIV/AIDS Education in Malawi, have been explored using questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. In contrast to previously reported literature on HIV/AIDS education in Malawi, the present study has drawn pupils’ needs directly from the pupils themselves, focussed on classroom practice, and triangulated the various data sets to give a comprehensive narrative of what pupils perceive to be their needs in HIV/AIDS education, and used the same to question the effectiveness of the HIV/AID curricula. Pupils identified the need for open discussion climates on HIV/AIDS issues despite a conservative cultural and religious adult world. They also identified a need for explicit and accurate knowledge on HIV/AIDS issues, opportunities to acquire behavioural skills for HIV prevention, and involvement of external speakers. The wealth of the pupils needs identified in this study suggests lack of effectiveness of the HIV/AIDS curricula. This suggestion however needs to be reinforced with data from classroom observations, teacher questionnaires, and interviews with teachers and education advisers in order to inform effective policy and practice.

Addiction Treatment Aftercare Outcome Study

Aftercare is crucial once an individual has completed drug or alcohol treatment and is in recovery. There is a continuity of care that should be followed once initial treatment is completed. This usually involves a lower level of treatment such as outpatient care and a sober living environment. In order to assess the efficacy and benefit of our addiction treatment program, we investigate a set of patients in which addiction treatment outcome and rehabilitation is determined for patients who have completed treatment and followed up. We determine abstinence rates and identify predictors of treatment outcome.

A Comparative Study for Successful Treatment per Gender in a Specialized Smoking Cessation Unit in the Albacete University Hospital during Two Years

Objective： Analysis of abstinence rates of smokers per gender at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in a Smoking Cessation Unit from January 2008 to December 2009. Methods： Descriptive retrospective study. Analysis of socio-demographic variables, smoking patterns, associated comorbidities, continuous abstinence rates, success, relapses, failure and dropping out. Results： 278 smokers started treatment （33%）; 55.4% males and 44.6% females （mean age of 48.3 and 44.06 years, respectively）. The main associated comorbidities were： psychiatric （38.7%）, cardiovascular （dyslipemia 25%） and respiratory （COPD （chronic obstructive pulmonary disease） 9.7%） in females; cardiovascular （dyslipemia 34.4%）, psychiatric （34.4%） and respiratory （COPD 19.5%） in males. VRN （Varenicline） was prescribed in 40.2% males and 32.2% females; NRT （nicotine replacement therapy） was used in 46.6% and 38.7%, respectively; bupropion was employed in 6.5% and 21.8%, respectively. Psychological counseling was offered only to 7.8% males and 8.1% females. The continuous abstinence rates in males at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 51.3%, 37.7%, 32.5% and 30.5%, respectively, and were 45.2%, 29.8%, 25.0% and 24.2% for females. Failure was 9.7% for females and 18.8% for males. Success was more frequent for those on VRN （n = 41 males; n = 12 females）. No relapses were indicated for 42 females and 71 males. The percentage of relapses was higher at 3 months （29.0% females, 19.5% males）. Conclusions： The study observed differences in treating abstinence between genders （in the abstinence rates and failure index）. This implies having to consider incorporating the gender variable into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of smoking.