Top Takeaways:
- MDPI retracted a 2022 Neurology International paper linking vaping to early stroke, citing “major errors” in the data analysis.
- The publisher said the authors could not satisfactorily resolve the issues during an editorial investigation, and the authors did not agree to the retraction.
- Retraction Watch reported that the paper had been cited and used in anti-vaping messaging before the retraction was issued.
MDPI, a Swiss-based academic publisher, has retracted a 2022 vaping study published in Neurology International that claimed e-cigarette users faced a higher risk of early stroke than traditional tobacco users, citing “major errors in the data analysis” and unresolved concerns about the validity of the findings.
The retracted paper — “Effect Comparison of E-Cigarette and Traditional Smoking and Association with Stroke—A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES” — was originally published in 2022 and drew attention after being cited by the media and used in public anti-vaping messaging, according to Retraction Watch.
In its retraction notice dated Dec. 18, 2025, the journal said concerns were raised after publication regarding “several major errors” in the analysis. MDPI said its editorial office and board investigated under its complaint procedure.
Although the authors initially cooperated, they were “unable to provide satisfactory explanations or supporting material to resolve the issues identified.” The notice also stated that attempts to contact the relevant institution were unsuccessful.
The journal said the authors did not agree to the retraction.
Retraction Watch reported that the paper’s flaws had been publicly criticized for months, including by outside reviewers who said the analysis contained serious problems. It also described the journal’s action as occurring nearly two years after a formal complaint was filed.
