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The prevalence of vaping, also known as using e-cigarettes, vapes and vape pens, has prompted a demand for reliable, evidence-based research. However, published literature on the topic of vaping often raises concerns, characterized by serious flaws and a failure to adhere to accepted scientific methodologies. In this narrative review, we analyze popular vaping studies published in medical journals that purport to evaluate the association of vaping and smoking cessation, smoking initiation or health outcomes. We analyzed 24 included studies to identify the questions they claimed to address, stated methods, manner of implementation, discussions, and stated conclusions. After critical appraisal, we noted a multiplicity of flaws in these studies, and identified patterns as to the nature of such flaws. Many studies lacked a clear hypothesis statement: to the extent that a hypothesis could be inferred, the methods were not tailored to address the question of interest. Moreover, main outcome measures were poorly identified, and data analysis was further complicated by failure to control for confounding factors. The body of literature on "gateway" theory for the initiation of smoking was particularly unreliable. Overall, the results and discussion contained numerous unreliable assertions due to poor methods, including data collection that lacked relevance, and assertions that were unfounded. Many researchers claimed to find a causal association while not supporting such findings with meaningful data: the discussions and conclusions of such studies were, therefore, misleading. Herein, we identify the common flaws in the study design, methodology, and implementation found in published vaping studies. We present our summary recommendations for future vaping research. Our aim is to prompt future researchers to adhere to scientific methods to produce more reliable findings and conclusions in the field of vaping research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of December 10, 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2,668 hospitalized cases of lung injury and 60 deaths associated with use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, or "vaping." In many cases, patients required multiple health care visits prior to diagnosis. Recognition of the risk factors, symptoms, and examination findings that have been consistently reported is critical to making the diagnosis and initiating treatment early in the progression of disease. The precise mechanism and causative agent have yet to be elucidated, but the association with vaping has been established. Multidisciplinary collaboration among health care providers, poison centers, health departments, reference laboratories, and the CDC will be necessary to identify the cause and prevent further harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]