Liver injury associated with kratom, a popular opioid-like product: Experience from the U.S. drug induced liver injury network and a review of the literature.

Ahmad, Jawad; Odin, Joseph A; Hayashi, Paul H; Fontana, Robert J; Conjeevaram, Hari; Avula, Bharathi; Khan, Ikhlas A; Barnhart, Huiman et al. · Drug Alcohol Depend · 2021

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

Kratom is a botanical product used as an opium substitute with abuse potential. Assessment of suspected cases of kratom-induced liver injury in a prospective US cohort. Eleven cases of liver injury attributed to kratom were identified with a recent increase. The majority were male with median age 40 years. All were symptomatic and developed jaundice with a median latency of 14 days. The liver injury pattern was variable, most required hospitalization and all eventually recovered. Biochemical analysis revealed active kratom ingredients. Kratom can cause severe liver injury with jaundice.

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