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SearchNew research builds upon a growing body of evidence that points to vaping products containing THC as most harmful
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A new Cleveland Clinic Children’s study is the latest to find that teens who regularly vape THC were more likely to develop e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). The findings, published in the Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, also suggests teens with mental health conditions were at the greatest risk for vaping.
Emerging evidence has shown that reusable, pod-based e-cigarettes contain nearly 60% more nicotine than cigarettes, making them more addictive than smoking. These vaping devices, popular among teens, allows users to add flavors or chemicals such as THC – a compound in marijuana – to refillable cartridges.
“This is especially concerning because we know that this population is especially susceptible to addiction and substance abuse,” said Fariba Rezaee, M.D., a co-author on the study and a pediatric pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “Vaping nicotine and THC increases the likelihood of addiction.”
For the study, Dr. Rezaee’s research team at the Center for Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, reviewed the examination reports and chest images of seven Cleveland Clinic Children’s patients, ages 15 to 18, who were previously hospitalized for respiratory distress. All patients in the study had a medical history of anxiety, depression and/or anxiety deficit hyperactivity disorder was also documented.
All seven patients, 3 females and 4 males, had reported using e-cigarettes within 30 days prior to hospitalization. Six patients had a history of using refillable e-cigarettes containing THC. One had a history of using disposable e-cigarettes filled with nicotine. The consecutive daily use of vaping products among this group ranged from a period of three months to four years.
Another key finding of the study signaled that symptoms of EVALI were not only respiratory-related. Four of the patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Rezaee stresses the importance of close follow-up care with a pediatric pulmonologist after a positive EVALI diagnosis.
“Continuity of care is key,” said Dr. Rezaee. “Three of the patients we observed had abnormalities in their lung’s ability to transfer oxygen to the red blood cells. Therefore we know that patients must be closely monitored during the recovery process. This includes lung function testing to assess the long-term health effects of EVALI.”
Overall, the study highlights that adolescents are at a higher risk of EVALI due to continuous vaping and exposure of THC in the lungs. Dr. Fariba encourages pediatricians to screen and educate patients around the dangers of vaping, including the risk of EVALI.
“Adolescent medicine experts and primary care pediatricians should pay special attention to have conversations about vaping during office visits,” said Dr. Rezaee. “We have to empower patients from an early age to be advocates of their health. By talking to patients about their use of vaping products and the risk of EVALI, we can help stop this public health crisis.”
About Cleveland Clinic Children’s
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a part of the Cleveland Clinic health system and offers full medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents. Cleveland Clinic Children’s supports 389 beds in four acute care hospitals and one post-acute specialty hospital. In addition, pediatric services are available at more than 50 outpatient clinic locations across Northeast Ohio. A staff of more than 300 full-time pediatricians and sub-specialists see 750,000 pediatric visits each year and provide hospital care for 13,000 children per year. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a non-profit, multi-specialty academic medical center integrating clinical care, research, and education. Cleveland Clinic Children’s consistently ranks among the “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report. Visit us online at www.clevelandclinic.org/childrens and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clevelandclinicchildrens.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 66,000 employees are more than 4,200 salaried physicians and researchers and 16,600 nurses, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic’s health system includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 11 regional hospitals in northeast Ohio, more than 180 northern Ohio outpatient locations – including 18 full-service family health centers and three health and wellness centers – and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nev.; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2018, there were 7.9 million total outpatient visits, 238,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 220,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CCforMedia and twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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