Sedation challenges in patients with E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Issue 9 (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maslonka, Matthew Antone; Schertz, Adam Ross; Markowski, Lauren Michelle; Miller, Peter John
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 13:Issue 9(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: anaesthesia -- mechanical ventilation -- medical management -- toxicology -- smoking and tobacco; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233866
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) has become an epidemic that is increasingly affecting patients across USA. Recently, over 2100 cases have been reported in 49 states, resulting in at least 42 deaths. We present a case of rapid respiratory failure in an otherwise healthy and young patient who used a vaporiser containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during the month prior to admission. The patient eventually required mechanical ventilation. There were significant challenges in achieving the appropriate level of sedation during intubation and mechanical ventilation. As more EVALI cases are being diagnosed in recent months, we highlight an aspect that may be unique to the population of patients who vaporise THC—high sedative and analgesic requirements during intubation and mechanical ventilation.