Researchers push for FDA regulation and warn consumers of the dangers associated with its use – ScienceDaily



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Kratom has become popular in recent years as a treatment for chronic or acute pain as well as mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is also often used to help with the withdrawal of opioids. Although some believe that kratom is safe because it is clbadified as a herbal dietary supplement, various serious medical outcomes as well as 11 deaths have been observed as a result of using kratom. A new study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Central Ohio Poison Center of Nationwide Children's Hospital revealed that more than 1,800 calls had been made to US poison centers regarding January 2011 kratom exhibitions. As of December 2017. the number of calls has increased dramatically, from 13 calls in 2011 to 682 in 2017. This equates to switching from about one call per month to two calls per day. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of these exposures took place from 2016 to 2017, the last two years of the study.

The study, published online today in the journal Clinical Toxicologyfound that most exposures occurred among men (71%), aged 20 and over (89%), in a residence (86%) and constituted abuse or intentional misuse (60%), suspected suicide (9%), or adverse reaction (8%). Exposure rates were highest in Idaho and Oregon and lowest in Delaware and Wisconsin.

Overall, almost one-third (32%) of calls resulted in admission to a health facility and more than half (52%) resulted in serious medical problems, particularly among adolescents and adults. Taking kratom with another substance increased the chances of admission to a health facility (OR 2.80) and having a serious medical outcome (OR 2.25). The medical effects observed in this study ranged from tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) to agitation / irritability and hypertension (high blood pressure) to seizures, coma (loss of consciousness), Increased bilirubin, renal failure and death.

"The use of kratom has been badociated with a variety of serious medical consequences, ranging from epileptic seizures to coma in adults, to severe withdrawal syndrome in newborns," he said. Henry Spiller, MS, DABAT, co-author of this study and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at the National Children's Hospital. "People who choose to use kratom should be aware of the potential risks.The fact that it is currently clbadified as an herbal supplement does not mean that it is regulated or that it is. he is safe. "

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has clbadified kratom as a "drug of concern" and has not been approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because it is not currently regulated, the quality, purity and concentration of the product vary considerably. The researchers are calling for FDA regulation to ensure product uniformity.

Of the 48 kratom exposures involving children 12 and under, 69% were children under two years of age, including seven newborns, five of whom were indented.

"As doctors, we must inform pregnant women of the risks badociated with the use of kratom during pregnancy and badfeeding," Spiller said.

Data for this study were obtained from the National Poison Data System, which is managed by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). AAPCC receives data on calls to poison control centers serving the United States and its territories. Poison centers receive phone calls via the poison control line and record information about the product, the route of exposure, the exposed person, the exposure scenario and other data. .

Source of the story:

Material provided by National Children's Hospital. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.

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