“Lung age” – a motivational smoking cessation tool in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco use is the major risk factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has an important contribution to premature lung ageing(1). Aim: To assess the impact of “lung age” measurement on cessation rates in COPD smokers, in a personalized smoking cessation (SC) intervention versus standard of care. Methods: Current smokers with COPD were enrolled in a SC program in Group 1 (50 patients) receiving standard of care intervention(baseline evaluation, counseling, biochemical validation, follow-up)and Group 2 (50 patients) who attended a pilot SC intervention (personalized evaluation and counseling with “lung age” measures, biochemical validation, follow-up) based on the EU TOB G project guideline for high risk populations. No pharmacological SC therapy was provided. Results: Self-reported smoking abstinence was significantly increased at the 1, 2, and 6-month follow-up in Group 2 (30.6%, 44.0% and 64.0% abstinent) versus 16%, 24% and 40%, respectively in Group 1. Carbon monoxide validation was achieved in 20% of Group 1 and in 51.6% of Group 2. The bio-chemically verified abstinent rate at 6 months follow-up was significantly higher in Group 2 (33.3%, p Conclusions: The “lung age” tool adds value in a personalized non-pharmacological smoking cessation intervention for COPD patients, by urging intention to quit. (1) Trofor A.,Petris O.,Trofor L.,Man M.A.,Filipeanu D.,Miron R. Biochemistry in assessing tobacco exposure-smokers versus non-smokers-correlations with clinical practice. Revista de Chimie.2017.68(5):1002-1006.