INTRODUCTION. Nicotine dependence (ND) is extremely complex and result from a combination of psychological, physiological and social variables. As the assessment of ND is fundamental in order to identify the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), has been suggested for this purpose. Furthermore, plasma cotinine (C) can be better related to ND and may be a useful tool in categorizing smokers that enter smoking cessation programmes. In a group of ambulatory patients, we have studied the relationship between the FTND scores, obtained at the first visit, and N, C and C/N ratio plasma concentrations. METHODS. We have studied 128 cigarettes‘ smokers (M/F:78/50; age:51.4±11.1 yrs; weight:74.3±15.2 Kg). At the first visit we have calculated FTND scores and performed blood sampling, in the afternoon, at least after 6 hours from wake-up and after 2 hours from the last cigarette smoked. N and C plasma concentrations have been analyzed by means of HPLC. Then we have divided all our patients in five groups according to the FTND scores: very low (0-2); low (3-4); moderate (5); high (6-7); very high (8-10 points). In each group, we have verified the correlation between N, C and C/N plasma concentrations and FTND scores. All data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. P<0.05 has been considered significant. RESULTS. The nicotine dependence distribution is as follows: very low (6 patients); low (22 patients); moderate (24 patients); high (49 patients); very high (27 patients). The N, C and C/N plasma concentrations observed are as follows: N (15.1±5.9, 13.4±9.4, 15.4±10.6, 15.9±8.5, 18±10.5 ng/mL), C (298.1±80.3, 234.3±115.2, 271.7±126.6, 318.5±119.9, 297.7±116.4 ng/mL) and C/N (22.4±18.2, 22.2±21.6, 22.1±20, 24.5±21.1, 22.1±18.7 ng/mL ). One way analysis of variance on ranks did not present a statistically significant difference (N, P=0.463; C, P=0.117; C/N, P=0.803). CONCLUSIONS. We have not observed a significant relationship between any biological markers and FTND scores. Albeit FTND remains a cornerstone in the evaluation of ND, N and C plasma concentrations analysis could add an important chance in NRT tailoring.

THE FARGESTRÖM TEST IN IDENTIFYING THE INITIAL NICOTINE REPLACEMENT DOSE: ARE THERE MORE RELIABLE TOOLS ?

BARALDO, Massimo;FRANCESCHI, Loretta;
2011-01-01

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Nicotine dependence (ND) is extremely complex and result from a combination of psychological, physiological and social variables. As the assessment of ND is fundamental in order to identify the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), has been suggested for this purpose. Furthermore, plasma cotinine (C) can be better related to ND and may be a useful tool in categorizing smokers that enter smoking cessation programmes. In a group of ambulatory patients, we have studied the relationship between the FTND scores, obtained at the first visit, and N, C and C/N ratio plasma concentrations. METHODS. We have studied 128 cigarettes‘ smokers (M/F:78/50; age:51.4±11.1 yrs; weight:74.3±15.2 Kg). At the first visit we have calculated FTND scores and performed blood sampling, in the afternoon, at least after 6 hours from wake-up and after 2 hours from the last cigarette smoked. N and C plasma concentrations have been analyzed by means of HPLC. Then we have divided all our patients in five groups according to the FTND scores: very low (0-2); low (3-4); moderate (5); high (6-7); very high (8-10 points). In each group, we have verified the correlation between N, C and C/N plasma concentrations and FTND scores. All data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. P<0.05 has been considered significant. RESULTS. The nicotine dependence distribution is as follows: very low (6 patients); low (22 patients); moderate (24 patients); high (49 patients); very high (27 patients). The N, C and C/N plasma concentrations observed are as follows: N (15.1±5.9, 13.4±9.4, 15.4±10.6, 15.9±8.5, 18±10.5 ng/mL), C (298.1±80.3, 234.3±115.2, 271.7±126.6, 318.5±119.9, 297.7±116.4 ng/mL) and C/N (22.4±18.2, 22.2±21.6, 22.1±20, 24.5±21.1, 22.1±18.7 ng/mL ). One way analysis of variance on ranks did not present a statistically significant difference (N, P=0.463; C, P=0.117; C/N, P=0.803). CONCLUSIONS. We have not observed a significant relationship between any biological markers and FTND scores. Albeit FTND remains a cornerstone in the evaluation of ND, N and C plasma concentrations analysis could add an important chance in NRT tailoring.
2011
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11390/883016
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