Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: An 18-year-old male with history of polysubstance abuse presented to the emergency department with intractable vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain for one day after the consumption of kratom.Examination revealed arterial hypotension, tachycardia, and prolonged capillary refill.Laboratory studies showed white blood cell count (WBC) of 23.6 x 109/L, serum creatinine 4.0 mg/dL, lactate 6 mmol/L, and procalcitonin >200 ng/mL.Urine and blood drug screen were unremarkable.Radiology and echocardiogram were noncontributory.He received fluid resuscitation and broad spectrum antibiotics.Vasopressors were subsequently added to manage persistent shock.He remained afebrile, and his blood cultures were negative.His shock and associated organ dysfunctions improved over the next 72 hours.On discharge, his procalcitonin level decreased to 9.55 ng/mL, leukocytosis resolved, and the creatinine returned to baseline.This case describes an extremely rare presentation related to kratom, an herb marketed as an opioid alternative, with significant potential for addiction and withdrawal syndrome.
Authors: Vikas Bansal, Muhammad Zuberi, Pramod Kumar Guru, Jose Diaz-Gomez, Beth Grieninger, David Alejos
Institution: Mayo Clinic in Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2973182383