Effectiveness of oral counselling for smoke cessation in Graves orbitopathy patients

Smoking is an important risk factor for Graves orbitopathy (GO) and it is modifiable. The advice to stop smoking has been included in all the clinical practice guidelines of GO. However, the effectiveness of this practice remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the change in the smoking habit in patients affected with GO after an oral counselling for smoking cessation.

A retrospective cohort of GO patients was studied. The patients received a significant oral counsel during the first consultation with the ophthalmologist. 33 GO patients were explored in the ophthalmology clinic during 2013 and 2014 and the study was done throughout a telephone questionnaire in 2015. The main outcome was the number of cigarettes smoked daily before and after consultation with the endocrinologist and the ophthalmologist. Other medical and socioeconomic factors were recorded.

The mean number of cigarettes that were smoked was 13.6 (SD 9.66) and 6.3 (SD 7.73) before and after the consultation done at the ophthalmology office (T-test paired, P=0.0006). 42.42% achieved smoking cessation and 30.3% decreased their smoking habit. Patients who stopped smoking suffered usually from active and severe GO, had more stable jobs and received greater support from their relatives and friends.

A firm and strong oral counsel held for smoke cessation was effective in GO patients. This disease deeply affects patients' quality of life, making them more prone to change their habits.