Beuy Joob1, Viroj Wiwanitkit2. 1. Sanitation 1 Medical Academic Center, Bangkok, Thailand. 2. Visiting Professor, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China.
Dear Editor,A recent report on “gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and keratinocytes proliferation”[1] is very interesting. Rousseau et al., assessed the “effects of GHB sedation on keratinocytes proliferation”[1] and noted “a positive effect of GHB on keratinocyte proliferation”.[1] Murphy et al., previously mentioned for the possible effect of GHB on growth hormone system and mentioned its usefulness in wound healing.[2] To apply GHB use in injury science is interesting, however, the possible adverse effect of GHB should be mentioned. As noted by Brennan et al., “rising abuse of the drug is associated with dependence, withdrawal, acute toxicity, and fatal overdose”.[3] Hence, it is needed to weight between advantage and disadvantage of GHB for clinical use.In addition, the concentration of GHB from laboratory analysis is another issue to be discussed. The endogenous GHB production is possible,[4] and this has to be kept in mind during interpretation of GHB level. Rousseau et al., should also mention and discuss about this important interference in laboratory analysis.
Authors: Kevin D Murphy; Mary W Rose; David L Chinkes; Walter J Meyer; David N Herndon; Hal K Hawkins; Arthur P Sanford Journal: J Trauma Date: 2007-11