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. 2023 Jul;122(3):187-190.

Description of Kratom Exposure Events in Wisconsin as Reported to the Wisconsin Poison Center, January 1, 2010 to September 1, 2022

Peter DeJonge  1   2 , David Gummin  3 , Nicholas Titelbaum  4 , Jonathan Meiman  4
Affiliations

Description of Kratom Exposure Events in Wisconsin as Reported to the Wisconsin Poison Center, January 1, 2010 to September 1, 2022

Peter DeJonge et al. WMJ. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Consumption of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), an herbal substance, can result in adverse health effects. We characterized kratom-associated adverse events in Wisconsin to provide pertinent recommendations for clinicians and public health practitioners.

Methods: Using Wisconsin Poison Center data, we searched for and summarized all records associated with exposure to "kratom," "electronic delivery device containing kratom," or "mitragyna" from January 1, 2010, to September 1, 2022.

Results: Kratom-associated exposure calls to the Wisconsin Poison Center increased 3.75 times during 2016 - 2020. Among all 59 calls, 26 (44.1%) reported concomitant use of another substance, agitation was the most common symptom reported (n = 23, 39%), and 7 persons required critical care. Three unintentional ingestions were reported in children aged less than 2 years old.

Discussion: Kratom-associated exposure calls to the Wisconsin Poison Center generally have been increasing in frequency since 2011. Wisconsinites who choose to use kratom might benefit from education regarding health risks and safe storage practices to avoid unintentional pediatric exposure.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Timeline of Kratom-Associated Exposure Calls (N = 59) to the Wisconsin Poison Center, January 1, 2010–September 1, 2022
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Distribution of Kratom-Associated Exposure Calls with County Information (N = 54) Recorded by the Wisconsin Poison Center, January 1, 2010–September 1, 2022
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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