Vaping-Related acute Parenchymal Lung Injury: a Systematic Review.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the health effects of vaping, focusing on the US outbreak of vaping-related acute lung injury (EVaLI) and its impact on respiratory health. The reader will learn about the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic patterns of lung injury associated with vaping, as well as the scientific literature on the effects of vaping on respiratory health.

Key Points:

* The US outbreak of EVaLI has implicated 2,807 cases and 68 deaths as of this writing.
* Vaping has gained popularity worldwide, with an exponential growth in the number of devices, brands, and flavors on the market.
* The EVaLI outbreak has prompted the formation of a lung injury task force by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
* Vape aerosols harbor a number of toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles.
* a high index of suspicion and a good history are the keys to an accurate diagnosis of vaping-related lung injury.
* Treatment is supportive, with corticosteroids used with apparent success in patients with severe disease, but more rigorous studies are needed to clarify their role.
* The study reviewed 216 cases spanning 41 reports of parenchymal lung injury attributed to vaping.
* Tetrahydrocannabinol was the most commonly vaped substance, and vitamin E acetate was found in BaL specimens from many affected individuals. however, no specific component or contaminant has been identified conclusively as the cause for the injury.

Main Message:
The text highlights the urgent need for further research and regulation of vaping products to ensure public safety. While vaping may have potential benefits for smoking cessation, the health risks associated with its use, particularly the outbreak of EVaLI, cannot be ignored. healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for vaping-related lung injury and provide supportive treatment, while policymakers must consider the potential health implications of vaping and take appropriate action to protect public health.

Jonas aM, Raj R. Vaping-Related acute Parenchymal Lung Injury: a Systematic Review. Chest. 2020;158(4):1555-1565. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2020.03.085