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2-year-old suffers catastrophic brain injury after exposure to 7-OH
Hawaii News Now • • health
Key Points:
- A 2-year-old Indiana boy suffered catastrophic brain injury after exposure to 7-OH, a potent opioid derived from kratom, leading to charges of neglect against 20-year-old Kole Schwarz, the mother's live-in boyfriend.
- The child was found unresponsive and placed in a medically induced coma before being transferred to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, with tests confirming kratom-related drugs in his system.
- Schwarz admitted to purchasing 7-OH tablets illegally, though he claimed they remained sealed in his pocket; the child showed physical signs of exposure and MRI evidence of severe injury.
- The FDA warns of the public health risks posed by unregulated 7-OH products, which are illegal in Indiana but available in Michigan in various forms like gummies and drinks, contributing to rising hospitalizations.
- The toddler’s grandmother has spoken out to raise awareness about the dangers of 7-OH, emphasizing the lack of regulation and the risk of these substances being sold to children.
