Articles: emergency-department.
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To describe the clinical characteristics and course of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdose. ⋯ In our study population, patients who overdosed on GHB presented with a markedly decreased level of consciousness. Coingestion of ethanol or other drugs is common, as are bradycardia, hypothermia, respiratory acidosis, and emesis. Hypotension occurs occasionally. Patients typically regain consciousness spontaneously within 5 hours of the ingestion. [Chin RL, Sporer KA, Cullison B, Dyer JE, Wu TD: Clinical course of γ-hydroxybutyrate overdose. Ann Emerg Med June 1998;31: 716-722.].
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We describe seven patients presenting with combination substance abuse involving γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). ⋯ Emergency physicians should be alerted to this agent, its characteristic effects, and its potential for serious sequelae including respiratory arrest and death. [Li J, Stokes SA, Woeckener A: A tale of novel intoxication: Seven cases of γ-Hydroxybutyric acid overdose. Ann Emerg Med June 1998;31:723-728.].