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Characteristics of deaths associated with kratom use.

Corkery, JM; Streete, P; Claridge, H; Goodair, C; Papanti, D; Orsolini, L; Schifano, F; Sikka, K; Körber, S; Hendricks, A (2019) Characteristics of deaths associated with kratom use. J Psychopharmacol, 33 (9). pp. 1102-1123. ISSN 1461-7285 https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119862530
SGUL Authors: Goodair, Christine M

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) use has increased in Western countries, with a rising number of associated deaths. There is growing debate about the involvement of kratom in these events. AIMS: This study details the characteristics of such fatalities and provides a 'state-of-the-art' review. METHODS: UK cases were identified from mortality registers by searching with the terms 'kratom', 'mitragynine', etc. Databases and online media were searched using these terms and 'death', 'fatal*', 'overdose', 'poisoning', etc. to identify additional cases; details were obtained from relevant officials. Case characteristics were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet, and analysed employing descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Typical case characteristics (n = 156): male (80%), mean age 32.3 years, White (100%), drug abuse history (95%); reasons for use included self-medication, recreation, relaxation, bodybuilding, and avoiding positive drug tests. Mitragynine alone was identified/implicated in 23% of cases. Poly substance use was common (87%), typically controlled/recreational drugs, therapeutic drugs, and alcohol. Death cause(s) included toxic effects of kratom ± other substances; underlying health issues. CONCLUSIONS: These findings add substantially to the knowledge base on kratom-associated deaths; these need systematic, accurate recording. Kratom's safety profile remains only partially understood; toxic and fatal levels require quantification.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Corkery, JM; Streete, P; Claridge, H; Goodair, C; Papanti, D; Orsolini, L; Schifano, F; Sikka, K; Körber, S; Hendricks, A, Characteristics of deaths associated with kratom use, Journal of Psychopharmacology (Vol 33, issue 9) pp. 1102-1123. Copyright © 2019 (The Author(s)). DOI: 10.1177/0269881119862530
Keywords: Mitragynine, cause of death, characteristics, kratom, toxicology, Mitragynine, kratom, cause of death, toxicology, characteristics, Mitragynine, cause of death, characteristics, kratom, toxicology, 11 Medical And Health Sciences, 17 Psychology And Cognitive Sciences, Psychiatry
SGUL Research Institute / Research Centre: Academic Structure > Population Health Research Institute (INPH)
Journal or Publication Title: J Psychopharmacol
ISSN: 1461-7285
Language: eng
Dates:
DateEvent
1 September 2019Published
20 August 2019Published Online
Publisher License: Publisher's own licence
PubMed ID: 31429622
Web of Science ID: WOS:000483703200001
Go to PubMed abstract
URI: https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/111141
Publisher's version: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119862530

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