Clinical presentation, treatment, and short-term outcomes of lung injury associated with e-cigarettes or vaping: a prospective observational cohort study

D P Blagev, D Harris, A Dunn et al.

The Lancet (394) 2073-2083 November  08, 2019

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32679-0

Methods: A multicentre, prospective, observational, cohort study, which collected data on all patients with lung injury associated with e-cigarettes or vaping seen in Utah, USA between June 27 and Oct 4, 2019.

Main results: 60 patients were seen of which 33 (55%) were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). 53 (88%) of 60 patients presented with constitutional symptoms, 59 (98%) with respiratory symptoms, and 54 (90%) with gastrointestinal symptoms. 54 (90%) of 60 were given antibiotics and 57 (95%) were given steroids. Six (10%) of 60 patients were readmitted to an ICU or hospital within 2 weeks, three (50%) of whom had relapsed with vaping or e-cigarette use. Of 26 patients who were followed up within 2 weeks, despite clinical and radiographic improvement in all, many had residual abnormalities on chest radiographs (ten [67%] of 15) and pulmonary function tests (six [67%] of nine). Two patients died and lung injury associated with e-cigarettes or vaping was thought to be a contributing factor, but not the cause of death, for both.

For further up to date information see CDC update: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6849e1.htm?s_cid=mm6849e1_w