Presentation Information
[P-38-02]Comparative Efficacy of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) vs. Varenicline for Smoking Cessation: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
*Shilla Thomas Thomas, Sharon V S, Megha M, Mohammed Nadir, Omer Mohammed (Student(India))
Keywords:
De addiction,Smoking cessation,Varenicline
Background & Aims Smoking cessation treatments are one of the most cost-effective preventive interventional treatments available across the world. Varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in various forms including nicotine patch or gums are effective pharmacological options available for smoking cessation. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of varenicline over NRT for long term smoking cessation. The primary outcome of interest is continued abstinence rate at 6 months. The secondary outcomes of interest include: end of care 7-day point prevalence, continued abstinence rates at 4 weeks, point prevalence at 6 months.Methodology A comprehensive literature search was carried out across PUBMED MEDLINE, Cochrane library, Science direct, Google scholar and ClinicalTrails.gov using search terms “varenicline” AND “nicotine” AND “smoking” AND “outcomes”. The initial search yielded 5582 articles out of which 8 studies were included in our meta analysis after primary screening and full text screening.ResultsEight studies including 169,669 were included in meta-analysis. Continued abstinence rates at 6 months was achieved in 247 of 932 subjects who received varenicline therapy over 185 of 777 subjects who received NRT [pooled OR 1.32 (1.05-1.66)]. The pooled OR for varenicline therapy over NRT for end-of-care 7-day point prevalence abstinence [pooled OR 1.67 (1.07-2.60)] and continued abstinence rate at 4 weeks [pooled OR 1.53 (1.22-1.91] were statistically significant. Abstinence point prevalence at 6 months was achieved in 159 of 501 subjects who received varenicline therapy over 81 of 301 subjects who received NRT [pooled OR 1.20 (0.87-1.66)].Conclusion The use of varenicline is associated with better outcomes, such as continued abstinence rate at 6 months, end-of-care 7 day point-prevalence and continued abstinence at 4 weeks. However there is no difference at point-prevalence at 6 months following therapy with either varenicline or NRT.