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obtained, lipid staining may be considered during pathologic examination, and
is best performed on fresh tissue.
Routine pathology tissue processing Conducting routine tissue processing
and histopathologic evaluation is still important.
■ Be sure patients who have received treatment for lung injury related to e-cigarette or vaping products undergo follow-up evaluation as clinically indicated to monitor pulmonary function.
■ Most importantly, providers should as part of any evaluation, especially for
those with signs/symptoms consistent with VAPI.
recommends that clinicians strongly consider respiratory infections such associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, in all patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and a history of e-cigarette use or vaping.
Clinicians are further advised that
distinguish between respiratory infection and lung injury associated with use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, using available testing. Therefore, therapy directed at both may be necessary. Decisions on the initiation or
discontinuation of treatment should be
when appropriate, in consultation with specialists.
learn more about the dangers associated with vaping, we strongly encourage health care providers to advise their patients to cease using vaping devices immediately, especially those patients who are vaping THC. If patients 18
and older need help to quit smoking
or vaping, they can call the Delaware The trained tobacco specialists who staff the Quitline will assess the patient’s needs and explore the best options for the patient moving forward. For more information on the Delaware Quitline, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/ dph/dpc/quitline.html. For pediatric patients who you believe are vaping, we recommend you refer them to the American Lung Association’s Not On Tobacco cessation program for teens at 1-800-LUNGUSA.
If you suspect your patients are vaping illicit THC products, advise them to quit. You can refer them to the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Crisis Line to get help. In New Castle and in Kent and Sussex Counties it is
Additionally, providers can remain informed about the latest updates via the CDC’s lung injury webpage, www. cdc.gov/lunginjury, which contains
providers, as well as on DPH’s website, www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph.
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
■ KARYL T. RATTAY, MD, MS is the Director for the Delaware Division of Public Health.
■ RICK HONG, MD is the Medical Director for the Delaware Division of Public Health.
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Del Med J | November/December 2019 | Vol. 91 | No. 6
