Systematic Follow-Up of a Cohort of Smokers Who Received a Standard Smoking Cessation Intervention with Soft Laser Therapy

Abstract

Background:Different techniques may help smokers quitting smoking. Recently soft laser treatment (SLT) has been used with reported – not documented – high success rates. We decided to conduct a systematic assessment of the charts of subjects treated at one SLT clinic in Montreal.Method: Historical cohort: Subjects treated by SLT during the period May to September 2005. Primary outcome: "not smoking" 6 months after the intervention. The intervention included SLT supported by complementary natural products – for comfort. 84 points were treated according to auriculotherapy principles. Sample size was calculated for precision around success rate. Statistical analysis was intent to treat (ITT) and per protocol.Results:Primary outcome: proportion of success at 6 months were 117/210 (44%), 95% CI: 38% - 51% with ITT approach and 93/167 (56%), 95% CI: 48% - 63% with per protocol analysis. Results at 12 months were 40% (33% - 46%) and 62% (54% - 70%) for the two approaches, respectively.Discussion:Our results suggest a possible effect of the SLT that would be in the high range of those observed with other interventions. However, absence of control group and other limitations prevent making any conclusion. Double blind placebo controlled randomized trials need to be conducted.