TDNet Discover

Background: Electronic cigarettes have become immensely popular in the U.S. and worldwide. However, their use and correlation to E-cigarette or Vaping Related Lung Injury (EVALI) is poorly studied. The lack of research is due to their relative novelty on the market as well as the minimal regulations regarding their ingredients. Consequently, it is unknown if e-cigarettes should have a role in tobacco cessation or if their harm outweighs any potential benefit. Purpose: The purpose of our research is to determine if e-cigarettes are a useful alternative to tobacco cessation, or if the health risks related to these new devices outweigh their benefit. Methods: We searched CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed using specific search terms, limits, and inclusion/exclusion criteria. A data extraction tool (Figure 1) and the National Heart, Lungs, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool were used to reduce the pool of articles to three. We met to analyze specific data points from the data extraction tool as well as discuss the findings of each article. Results: Two meta-analyses and one systematic review were analyzed. The first study examined was Kolade et al, a systematic review examining 14 different studies on the efficacy of both the smoking cessation drug varenicline and e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking. The second article examined by researchers was Winnicka et al, a systematic review which demonstrated the potential adverse effects of vaping through review of 63 EVALI cases in Wisconsin and Illinois. The third article included was a meta-analysis of EVALI suggesting how we can globally initiate surveillance and prevent cases of EVALI from spiraling into a full-blown epidemic. Conclusion: E-cigarettes may serve an adjuvant role in tobacco cessation, but more research regarding their health implications is needed before legitimate recommendations can be made.