Cannabis Use Linked to Increased Mortality in Asthma Patients: CHEST

According to findings presented in a CHEST Annual Meeting, cannabis use appears to be associated with higher mortality and morbidity rates in patients experiencing acute asthma attacks.

The study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2019, identified 16,915 patients with concurrent cannabis use out of a total of 406,800 patients admitted to hospitals due to acute asthma exacerbation. The data revealed alarming trends among those who had used cannabis.

Comparing patients with cannabis use to those without, it was found that cannabis users who presented with acute asthma attacks were at significantly higher risk. This increased risk was observed in several critical aspects:

• Patients with cannabis use had an odds ratio of 2.187 (95% CI 1.762 to 2.716, P-value <0.001), signifying a substantially higher risk of mortality.
• The odds ratio for requiring mechanical ventilation was 1.421 (95% CI 1.358 to 1.486, P-value <0.001), indicating a greater likelihood of needing respiratory support.
• The odds ratio for experiencing altered mental status was 1.269 (95% CI 1.422 to 1.866, P-value <0.001), highlighting a higher incidence of cognitive impairment.

However, the study did not find significant differences between the two groups regarding the development of bacterial pneumonia or sepsis.

These findings suggest a critical link between cannabis use and worsened outcomes for asthma patients. Patients with concurrent cannabis use experienced notably higher mortality rates and were more likely to require intensive care measures like mechanical ventilation. Additionally, the study indicated a greater likelihood of experiencing altered mental states in these patients.

It's important to note that further research is necessary to explore whether the severity of these negative effects is dose-dependent, and if other factors may contribute to these alarming outcomes.

Asthma patients are advised to avoid cannabis use due to the increased risk of severe health consequences, particularly in the event of an acute asthma attack. This research highlights the need for more extensive investigations into the relationship between cannabis use and asthma, with a focus on understanding the potential dose-dependent effects.

Source:

DALBAH, R., HADDADEN, M., HADDADIN, B., CECCHINI, A., ABDELHAY, A., & HOSKERE, G. V. (2023). EFFECTS OF CANNABIS USE ON ACUTE ASTHMA EXACERBATION IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS. In CHEST (Vol. 164, Issue 4, p. A58). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2023.07.097