News from the FDA/CDC

Vaping-linked injuries top 1,600 cases


 

REPORTING FROM THE CDC

Vaping-associated lung injury cases have now reached 1,604, according to the latest update provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirty-four deaths have been confirmed.

Number of EVALI cases reported as of Oct. 22, 2019

E-cigarette–linked lung injuries, now called EVALI, occurred in all U.S. states (except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Deaths have occurred in 24 states: Alabama, California (3), Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (3), Kansas (2), Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota (3), Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon (2), Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. More deaths are under investigation.

The median age of deceased patients was 49 years and ranged from 17 to 75 years.

Data on age, sex, and substances used in e-cigarette, or vaping, products will be updated in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) report being released on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019.

The CDC is now doing additional testing on available samples for chemical in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood, or urine, as well as lung biopsy or autopsy specimens. It also is validating methods for aerosol emission testing of case-associated product samples from vaping products and e-liquids.

For more information and resources visit For the Public, For Healthcare Providers, and For State and Local Health Departments pages, as well as the CDC’s Publications and Resources page.

Recommended Reading

Physician: The nicotine, not the flavors, needs regulation
MDedge Family Medicine
Amoxicillin/clavulanate emerges as best antibiotic for childhood bronchiectasis
MDedge Family Medicine
The effect of smoking lingers
MDedge Family Medicine
FDA approves Trikafta for treatment of cystic fibrosis
MDedge Family Medicine
Recent COPD exacerbation did not affect aclidinium’s efficacy in high-risk patients
MDedge Family Medicine
CDC: Don’t vape, especially THC
MDedge Family Medicine
New test edges closer to rapid, accurate ID of active TB
MDedge Family Medicine
ACIP recommends two options for pertussis vaccination
MDedge Family Medicine
ACIP plans flu review for older adults
MDedge Family Medicine
ACIP approves 2020 adult vaccination schedule
MDedge Family Medicine