E-cigarette side effects in otolaryngology: unveiling the vape mirage

Abstract

The following databases were searched for publications up to May 2020: Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Medline and CINAHL. Additionally, previously published reviews were hand searched. Clinical studies conducted in English language were considered, encompassing cohorts of more than four vaping individuals who have encountered inadvertent side effects. Both adult and paediatric populations were included. In vitro, animal studies and systematic or literature reviews were excluded from the analysis. Two independent reviewers screened 1125 studies following deduplication. Two-hundred and eight full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Diverse study designs were included, comprising of cross-sectional, randomised controlled trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, case series investigations and non-randomised trials. Of note, four studies focused on paediatric patients. Most reported side effects were cough, throat and mouth irritation and intra-oral lesions. While the direct side effects of e-cigarettes are well-documented, the long-term effects remain uncertain.