Maren Hermanns-Clausen

Bio: Maren Hermanns-Clausen is an academic researcher from University of Freiburg. The author has contributed to research in topics: Poison control & Synthetic cannabinoids. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 36 publications receiving 1184 citations. Previous affiliations of Maren Hermanns-Clausen include University Medical Center Freiburg.

Acute toxicity due to the confirmed consumption of synthetic cannabinoids: clinical and laboratory findings

Abstract: Aims Recently, several synthetic cannabinoids were identified in herbal mixtures consumed as recreational drugs alternative to cannabis products. The aim was to characterize the acute toxicity of synthetic cannabinoids as experienced by emergency patients. Design This was a retrospective study targeting patients seeking emergency treatment after recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids. Setting and participants Patients were selected from the database of the Poisons Information Center Freiburg between September 2008 and February 2011. The inclusion criteria were: hospitalization, available clinical reports and analytical verification of synthetic cannabinoid uptake. In total, 29 patients were included (age 14–30 years, median 19; 25 males, four females). Measurements Clinical reports were evaluated and synthetic cannabinoids and other drugs were determined analytically. Findings CP-47,497-C8 (one), JWH-015 (one), JWH-018 (eight), JWH-073 (one), JWH-081 (seven), JWH-122 (11), JWH-210 (11), JWH-250 (four) and AM 694 (one) were quantified in blood samples. JWH-018 was most common in 2008–9, JWH-122 in 2010, and JWH-210 in 2011. Tachycardia, agitation, hallucination, hypertension, minor elevation of blood glucose, hypokalaemia and vomiting were reported most frequently. Chest pain, seizures, myoclonia and acute psychosis were also noted. Conclusions There appears to have been an increase in use of the extremely potent synthetic cannabinoids JWH-122 and JWH-210. Acute toxic symptoms associated with their use are also reported after intake of high doses of cannabis, but agitation, seizures, hypertension, emesis and hypokalaemia seem to be characteristic to the synthetic cannabinoids, which are high-affinity and high-efficacy agonists of the CB1 receptor. Thus, these effects are due probably to a strong CB1 receptor stimulation.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis Following Abuse of Powdered Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Abstract: Introduction Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a common medical plant in Thailand and is known to contain mitragynine as the main alkaloid. According to an increase in published reports and calls at German poison control centers, it has been used more frequently as a drug of abuse in the western hemisphere during the last couple of years. Despite this increase, reports of severe toxicity are rare within the literature.

Acute intoxication by synthetic cannabinoids - Four case reports

Abstract: receptor-mediated effectsare changes in mood, pain perception, state of arousal, bodytemperature, cardiovascular regulation, and food intake.Recently, synthetic cannabinoids appeared on the drugmarket, mostly as undeclared additives in ‘herbal mixtures’ namedfor example ‘Spice’, ‘Lava Red’ or ‘Jamaican Gold’. The use ofsynthetic cannabinoids is driven by several factors. After the intro-duction of new compounds, their use is initially not restricted byprohibition. Moreover, their consumption cannot be verified bystandard drug tests, which is particularly interesting for peoplefacing regular drugtesting.Easy accessvia the Internetand afford-ability also contribute to the popularity of these drugs.Since their first detection in herbal mixtures,

Chinese slimming capsules containing sibutramine sold over the Internet: a case series.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, the market for dietary supplements has grown. International products are readily available for purchase over the Internet. We report 17 cases of poisoning with a single product, said to be of purely herbal origin, that was bought over the Internet. A complete declaration of the ingredients was not available. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of cases of poisoning documented by the Gottingen and Freiburg poison information centers from 2005 to 2008. In 4 cases, we were able to perform toxicological analyses of leftover capsules and urine samples. RESULTS: The manifestations of poisoning in the 17 documented cases included malaise, tachycardia, headache, agitation, arterial hypertension, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, insomnia, left-sided chest pressure, elevated temperature, and, in two cases, psychosis after the substance was combined with atomoxetine and methylphenidate and with citalopram, olanzapine, and chlorprothixene. The frequency of cases rose markedly in the last year of the study. The toxicological analyses of all samples studied revealed sibutramine. The dose in each capsule was nearly twice the maximum daily dose sibutramine in the medication containing this substance that is licensed for use in Germany. CONCLUSIONS: Products available without a prescription whose contents are claimed to be purely herbal may nonetheless contain synthetic substances in concentrations far above the therapeutic range and may be a cause of poisoning. When taking the history of a patient possibly suffering from an intoxication, the physician should ask specifically about drugs, dietary supplements, and so-called lifestyle products that were obtained without a prescription. It would be desirable for the contents of all such products to be declared, as required by law, so that their suitability for the market can be checked. Language: en

Tobacco product use among adults--United States, 2012-2013.

Abstract: Despite significant declines in cigarette smoking among U.S. adults over the past five decades, progress has slowed in recent years, and the prevalence of use of other tobacco products such as cigars and smokeless tobacco has not changed. Additionally, the prevalence of use of emerging products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), has rapidly increased. This report provides the most recent national estimates of tobacco use among adults aged ≥18 years, using data from the 2012-2013 National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS). The findings indicate that 21.3% of U.S. adults used a tobacco product every day or some days, and 25.2% used a tobacco product every day, some days, or rarely. Population-level interventions focused on the diversity of tobacco product use, including tobacco price increases, high-impact antitobacco mass media campaigns, comprehensive smoke-free laws, and enhanced access to help quitting, in conjunction with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of tobacco products, are critical to reducing tobacco-related diseases and deaths in the United States.