Undifferentiated Shock and Extreme Elevation of Procalcitonin Related to Kratom Use

JOURNAL TITLE: Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine

Author
1. Pramod Kumar Guru
2. Muhammad Zuberi
3. Beth Grieninger
4. Jose Diaz-Gomez
5. David Alejos
6. Vikas Bansal
ISSN
0972-5229
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23170
Volume
23
Issue
5
Publishing Year
2019
Pages
3
  • Article keywords
    Kratom, Procalcitonin, Vasopressors

    Abstract

    An 18-year-old male with history of polysubstance abuse presented to the emergency department with intractable vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain for one day after the consumption of kratom. Examination revealed arterial hypotension, tachycardia, and prolonged capillary refill. Laboratory studies showed white blood cell count (WBC) of 23.6 x 109/L, serum creatinine 4.0 mg/dL, lactate 6 mmol/L, and procalcitonin >200 ng/mL. Urine and blood drug screen were unremarkable. Radiology and echocardiogram were noncontributory. He received fluid resuscitation and broad spectrum antibiotics. Vasopressors were subsequently added to manage persistent shock. He remained afebrile, and his blood cultures were negative. His shock and associated organ dysfunctions improved over the next 72 hours. On discharge, his procalcitonin level decreased to 9.55 ng/mL, leukocytosis resolved, and the creatinine returned to baseline. This case describes an extremely rare presentation related to kratom, an herb marketed as an opioid alternative, with significant potential for addiction and withdrawal syndrome.

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