Severe jaundice with life-threatening liver failure after Kratom use: Reversed by plasma exchange

Abstract

Kratom is an herbal supplement which is used for its stimulating properties and pain reduction due to interaction with opioid receptors. Kratom overdose may cause fatality. A 56-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with severe jaundice and liver failure. His total bilirubin reached at 70.6 mg/dL, but extensive workup did not show any liver mass. Family informed that the patient was taking Kratom. Plasma exchange was suggested as an unconventional therapy and consent from the patient was obtained because this procedure has never been performed to treat Kratom toxicity before. After four procedures, his total bilirubin was reduced to 23.9 mg/dL and his clinical condition improved significantly. Finally on day 5 he was discharged at stable condition with a total bilirubin value of 21.3 mg/dL. There is no antidote for Kratom, and treatment is supportive. To our knowledge this is the first report of reversing Kratom poisoning using plasma exchange.