CHARACTERIZING THE ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT PARTS IN USERS OF ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Introduction. Using electronic nicotine delivery systems has shown a steady growth in recent years, especially among young people. Researchers and professionals are also interested in what consequences the use of such systems may have, but most studies deal with respiratory system. Aim. The aim is to clarify the electrical activity of the gastrointestinal tract parts in users of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Materials and Methods. 35 people of both sexes were examined, divided into two comparable groups: The study group consisted of 17 people regularly using electronic nicotine delivery systems, and the comparator group consisted of 18 practically healthy individuals. All study participants were surveyed using the quality-of-life questionnaire in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, clinical laboratory testing of blood and stool was performed, feces were tested for occult blood; and endoscopy, video colonoscopy, and electrogastroenterography were performed. The findings are presented as median (Me), as well as the first and the third quartiles (Q1; Q3). The significance of differences in groups was assessed using the Mann–Whitney test for independent quantitative variables. Differences were considered significant at p≤0.05. Results and Discussion. All individuals examined in the study group had significantly higher scores for gastroenterological symptoms on all syndrome scales of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire. Disturbances are shown in the electrical activity and frequency of contractions of hollow gastrointestinal organs in individuals using electronic cigarettes. Conclusions. Systematic consumption of nicotine-containing liquids via electronic nicotine delivery systems forms a specific variant of functional gastrointestinal diseases, expressed in electrophysiological disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which is reflected in clinical symptoms.