Potential health effects of electronic cigarettes: A systematic review of case reports

Introduction:
This article provides a comprehensive review of published case reports on the health effects associated with electronic cigarette (EC) use. The review identifies and categorizes the types of health effects experienced by users and highlights the potential risks and dangers of EC use.

Key Points:

* The review identified 26 case reports representing 27 individuals who experienced health effects after using ECs or being exposed to EC refill fluids.
* The majority of the cases (25 out of 27) reported negative health effects, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, and immune system effects.
* Two cases reported improvement in chronic immune and gastrointestinal conditions after using ECs.
* Twelve cases involved nicotine poisoning resulting from accidental, misuse/abuse, or intentional ingestion, with three resulting in adult fatalities.
* Two cases reported mechanical injury caused by an EC battery explosion.
* The median age for systemic events was 42, and for nicotine poisonings, the median age was 23.
* The patients injured by mechanical explosion were both male, aged 18 and 30.
* All reviewed case reports indicated no conflicts of interest.

Main Message:
The review of case reports highlights the potential health risks and dangers associated with EC use, including systemic effects, nicotine poisoning, and mechanical injury. The findings suggest that EC use can negatively affect the health of children and adults and exacerbate pre-existing conditions. While some cases reported positive health effects, the overall message is that EC use is not without risks, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential health impacts of EC use.

Hua, My, and Prue Talbot. “Potential Health Effects of Electronic Cigarettes: A Systematic Review of Case Reports.” Preventive Medicine Reports 4 (December 2016): 169–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.06.002.