Garcia-Romeu, A., Cox, D., Smith, K., Dunn, K. and Griffiths, R. (2020) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): User Demographics, Use Patterns and Implications for the Opioid Epidemic. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 208, e107849.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107849

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: The Identification of Prenatal Exposure to Mitragynine Using Umbilical Cord Tissue

  AUTHORS: Mary Ellen Wright, Donna Coy, Joseph Jones, Andre Sukta, Amy Racines, Mary Jones

  KEYWORDS: Kratom, Mitragyna Speciose, Mitragynine, Umbilical Cord, Prenatal Exposure, Maternal Drug Use

  JOURNAL NAME: American Journal of Analytical Chemistry, Vol.13 No.4, April 28, 2022

  ABSTRACT: Objective: Kratom is widely available and literature exploring the effects of prenatal kratom exposure is lacking. This study aims to report a validated method for the detection of mitragynine in the umbilical cord and report our observations for specimens received at a national commercial reference laboratory. Study Design: Assays were validated according to the recommendations of ANSI/ASB. A retrospective evaluation of records at a national reference laboratory was conducted to determine prevalence and co-exposure to other substances of abuse. Result: Mitragynine was detected in 19 of 4456 specimens (0.43%) with concentrations ranging from 4 to >50 ng/g. Thirteen (13) of these specimens were positive for only mitragynine while the other 6 were also positive for either marijuana or opiates. Conclusion: Umbilical cord is a suitable specimen type for the surveillance of maternal kratom use and can be used to identify exposed neonates for further investigations into short- or long- term health consequences.