Note: This study is currently only recruiting patients in the hospital.
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The effects of electronic cigarette use on smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
This project is not recruiting.
Overview
What we are studying
Our research is looking at what happens to smoking habits and lung function in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, sometimes also referred to as chronic bronchitis or emphysema) who switch from smoking cigarettes to using electronic cigarettes. A first step in understanding the safety of these products is observing how much smokers substitute their cigarette use with electronic cigarette use, and how this affects symptoms or lung function.
Why it is important
Nearly half of all smokers in the US have used electronic cigarettes before. Since electronic cigarettes are still relatively new, it is not well known how they affect health. Smokers with COPD smoke at higher rates than most adults in the United States, and many of these smokers have tried electronic cigarettes. This study will help us better understand how electronic cigarettes may affect cigarette smoking and short-term health.
What we hope to accomplish
This research aims to understand how much smokers who are provided with electronic cigarettes replace their regular cigarette smoking with electronic cigarette use. We also hope to learn how electronic cigarettes are tolerated by people who use them, and whether there are any important safety concerns with their use.
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Principal Investigator
Who can participate
· Between ages of 40 and 80 · At least 10 pack year smoking history · Daily use of at least 5 cigarettes · Diagnosis of mild or moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) · No plan to quit cigarettes within the next 30 days · English-speaking
Who cannot participate
· Past 30 day use of nicotine containing products (cigars, cigarillos, hookah, pipe tobacco, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, nicotine replacement therapy) · Past-30 day use of inhaled recreational drugs (marijuana, crack) · Pulmonary disease other than COPD or asthma (e.g. interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis) · Ever requiring mechanical ventilation (also known as a breathing tube) · 2 or more hospitalizations for COPD in the past 12 months · Hospitalization for a heart problem in the past 6 months · Pregnant or breast feeding · Individuals who use oxygen therapy
What you may be asked to do
As part of the study, you will be asked to make 6 or 7 visits to MGH over the course of 6 or 9 months. You will receive an electronic cigarette with cartridge refills and be asks to replace your cigarettes with the electronic cigarette as best you can. The visits will include: · Filling out a variety of surveys about your smoking and breathing · Getting your vital signs taken (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate) · Giving a urine sample · A breathing test called spirometry · A breathing test to look at carbon monoxide levels · Returning any used and unused electronic cigarette cartridge refills
Project activities may include:
- Survey
- Office visit
Estimated Time Commitment
10 hours over 7 visits
What You May Get
Participants will be compensated up to $245-$275, depending on the number of study visits completed. All participants will be provided with electronic cigarette devices and refills, at no charge to them, for use during the study. Parking vouchers will also be provided for each visit.
Location
Translational and Clinical Research Center on White 12 MGH Main Campus, 55 Fruit St Boston, MA 02114
Travel
- Accessible by public transportation
- Parking available
- Parking reimbursed
Travel and Parking Details
Additional Information
Funding Source
- NIH or Other Federal