O6.9 Smoking cessation

While smoking cessation has long been known to reduce the rate of decline of lung function (see section P1.1), there is evidence it also has short-term benefits on lung function and quality of life. In a randomised controlled trial of varenicline (Tashkin 2011b) participants who continuously abstained from smoking compared to those who relapsed, had higher post-bronchodilator FEV₁ at weeks 12 (mean 121.8 ml versus 37.9 ml, p<0.007) and 24 (mean 58.4 ml versus -19.1 ml, p=0.07) when compared to baseline measurements, although the difference at the latter time point was not statistically significant. Similarly, those who abstained, when compared to those who relapsed, had a greater improvement in the total clinical COPD questionnaire score at 12 weeks (mean -1.04 versus -0.53, p<0.0001), and this significant benefit was also seen at 24 and 52 weeks. Benefits at all time points were also found for the domain scores of respiratory symptoms, functional status and mental state.

Refer to P1.1 for additional information regarding smoking cessation.