[gamma-Hydroxybutyrate intoxication].

The drug gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as liquid ecstasy, has now reached Europe. Estimating the dosage of liquid GHB is especially difficult leading to unintentional intoxication because the exact concentration is not known. We repeatedly had to treat young patients intoxicated by GHB in our intensive care unit. We describe the course and treatment of three patients with GHB intoxication. If alcohol or mixed intoxication with drugs detected in traditional hospital toxicological assays has been excluded as the cause of unconsciousness in young patients from disco's, an intoxication with GHB should be considered. The therapy is mainly symptomatic and supportive but monitoring in an intensive care unit with the option of short term respirator therapy is necessary. Serum and urine samples taken on arrival should be conserved for further investigation in a forensic institute.