Lethal coagulopathy resulting from the consumption of contaminated synthetic cannabinoids: the story of a public health crisis

Abstract

Abstract In March 2018, Illinois saw the outbreak of an unprecedented public health crisis, which manifested as the development of a potentially lethal coagulopathy associated with the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids. This outbreak impacted a reported 174 patients, and was responsible for the deaths of five patients. While events unfolded, it was uncovered that the coagulopathy was not caused directly by the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids, but by the contamination of these products with Brodifacuom, bromadiol and difenacoum, potent Vitamin K antagonists that are the active ingredient in most rodenticides. This article chronicles the first reported instance of clinically significant Long Acting Anticoagulant Rodenticide poisoning on such a widespread and uniform scale, and examines the challenges posed to the providers and Public Health authorities tasked with the management of this outbreak. Crisis preparedness determines mitigation, response and recovery during trying times. It is prudent that healthcare agencies engage in collective measures to establish preparedness plans and build up their capacity to respond to health-related crises such as the one faced by Illinois in early 2018. By examining the solutions developed to tackle each unique challenge, the objective of this article is to lay a framework for action and response to similar public health crises.