OBJECTIVE: To identify deaths in Australasia associated with overdose of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors (gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol). DESIGN: A retrospective search of medical and scientific information sources, as well as popular newsprint, for the period January 2000-August 2003, with formal clinical, toxicological and forensic evaluation of retrieved data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Death associated with forensic data implicating GHB or its analogues. RESULTS: Ten confirmed GHB-associated deaths were identified, with eight considered to be directly attributable to GHB. Only two of these eight cases were positive for ethanol toxicology. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the existing evidence that GHB overdose is associated with fatalities, and that fatal overdoses occur in the context of isolated use.
OBJECTIVE: To identify deaths in Australasia associated with overdose of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors (gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol). DESIGN: A retrospective search of medical and scientific information sources, as well as popular newsprint, for the period January 2000-August 2003, with formal clinical, toxicological and forensic evaluation of retrieved data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Death associated with forensic data implicating GHB or its analogues. RESULTS: Ten confirmed GHB-associated deaths were identified, with eight considered to be directly attributable to GHB. Only two of these eight cases were positive for ethanol toxicology. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the existing evidence that GHBoverdose is associated with fatalities, and that fatal overdoses occur in the context of isolated use.
Authors: Bridget L Morse; Gurkishan S Chadha; Melanie A Felmlee; Kristin E Follman; Marilyn E Morris Journal: Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse Date: 2017-06-29 Impact factor: 3.829
Authors: Marilyn E Morris; Bridget L Morse; Gloria J Baciewicz; Matthew M Tessena; Nicole M Acquisto; David J Hutchinson; Robert Dicenzo Journal: J Clin Toxicol Date: 2011-11-10