(FOX 9) – Vitamin E acetate, an additive in some THC-containing vaping products, is associated with a recent outbreak of cases of severe lung injury in the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Health’s Public Department Laboratory.
According to the CDC, Vitamin E acetate is strongly linked to e-cigarette outbreaks such as vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
Since June, Minnesota has had 12 cases of lung injury in patients ages 14 to 46, with the median age of 18.5 years. All 12 cases resulted in hospitalizations, and have been repaired or have been repaired. Five of those cases required intensive care, including placement on ventilators, according to MDH.
The patients said they had a history of vaping. Most commonly reported vaping THC as tetrahydrocannabinol, the principle psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Some reported use of nicotine-based products.
Two Minnesota patients submitted a total of 11 vaping products that included brands Dank, Lion’s Breath and KRT. Vitamin E acetate was found in all 11 tested products.
“The use of THC-containing e-cigarettes, such as vaping, products, from informal sources such as friends, family or dealers is not only illegal but also a serious health risk that Minnesotans must avoid,” said Minnesota Public Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm in a press release. “It is clear that there are unscrupulous people who, even after everything we have learned, are ready to put potentially deadly vitamin E acetate into these products.”
MDH reported that the initial diagnosis was made more difficult because the symptoms of the disease may be similar to COVID-19’s severe infection symptoms, including cough and short circuit.
In the MDH warning to healthcare providers in late July, MDH warned that vaping-associated lung injury patients typically seek care for COVID-19, but the patients test negative for COVID-19. The patients also responded to systemic steroid therapy, the treatment for EVALI.
EVALI symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fever, malaise and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea). Others reported by some patients included headache, dizziness, and chest pain.
More information on vaping-related injuries can be found on the MDH website.
