Efficacy and Safety of a Nicotine Mouth Spray for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized, Multicenter, Controlled Study in a Naturalistic Setting.

BACKGROUND: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been demonstrated to be an effective pharmacological treatment for smoking cessation, and most types of NRT have been approved as over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In an effort to create a fast-acting, flexible, and discreet NRT, a nicotine mouth spray (NMS) has been developed. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of NMS in a naturalistic setting in the United States. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 26-week study in 1198 smokers motivated to quit. The study was designed to resemble an OTC environment, and thus included limited intervention, limited motivational screening, and no behavioral support. The primary efficacy endpoint was carbon monoxide-verified, self-reported continuous abstinence from smoking from week 2 until week 6. The safety of NMS was assessed by measuring vital signs, visual mouth inspection, and collection of subject-reported adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: The percentage of subjects with carbon monoxide-verified continuous abstinence from week 2 to week 6 was statistically significantly greater in the NMS group compared with the placebo group (5.0% vs. 2.5%, p = .021). Statistically significant treatment effects for the NMS were maintained throughout the 26-week period. The study medications were generally well tolerated. The severity of AEs was similar for both treatment groups, and most AEs were of mild or moderate severity. CONCLUSIONS: These study results demonstrate that the NMS is an effective and safe smoking cessation option for smokers motivated to quit, even in a naturalistic setting and without behavioral support. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of an NMS in an OTC environment with no behavioral counseling or support. It provides an additional option for smokers motivated to quit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT02355665).

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pericarditis demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy.

We report a case of pericarditis occurring in a 17-year-old girl who received a bone marrow transplant. The presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the pericardial fluid was demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction, and Mycoplasma-like organisms were detected by electron microscopy. Because no other infectious agent could be found in the pericardial fluid, M. pneumoniae was presumed to be the etiologic agent of the pericarditis.