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Citation
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Vyncke T, De Wolf E, Hoeksema H, Verbelen J, De Coninck P, Buncamper M, Monstrey S, Claes KE. J. Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Since its introduction on the market in 2007, the number of reports on injuries caused by the overheating, ignition or explosion of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has increased significantly. These injuries appear to have different causes, the most important one being lithium-ion battery overheating to the point of ignition or explosion.
METHODS: A literature search for all relevant studies concerning ENDS related traumatic injuries of all kinds was conducted, according to the PRISMA protocol. The search started with the first introduction of ENDS in 2007 and ended February 2020. Articles included were reports on patients who sustained flame, chemical or traumatic injuries of the skin, soft tissue and/or bone, related to the use of ENDS.
RESULTS: This systematic review includes 180 patients from 41 case series and reports, published between 2016 and 2020. The mean age was 30.8 years (range 17-59) with an overall male predominance (168/180 patients, 93%). In most injuries multiple anatomical sites were affected, with the thigh/lower limb being the most commonly injured area (77%) followed by the upper limb/hand (43%). Eighty-two patients (51%) required a surgical treatment, 70 patients (43%) were managed conservatively with dressings or ointments and 9 patients (6%) underwent enzymatic debridement. Thirty-five percent of all patients underwent skin grafting.
CONCLUSION: Injuries from overheating, ignition or explosion of ENDS are an emerging, underreported and under researched issue. There is a need for increased regulation of ENDS and improved surveillance of related injuries. Both healthcare providers and consumers should be made aware of the risks and be advised about how to safely handle these devices. In contrast to other papers, this systematic review includes all types of injuries related to ENDS overheating, ignition and explosion. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive systematic review performed to date.Study Type and Level of EvidenceReview Article, Level III Systematic Review.
Language: en |