Background and objective: Liquid ecstasy (GHB) is a new cause of drug overdose in our country. To describe the epidemiological profile and clinical manifestations, we analyzed cases of poisoning by GHB attended by the Emergency Departments (ED) of 2 hospitals of the city of Barcelona.
Patients and method: During two years (2003-2004) all cases of poisoning or overdose due to GHB attended in the ED of the Hospital del Mar and the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona were collected. The diagnosis was clinical and/or by means of toxicological analysis. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic variables as well as the evolution were collected.
Results: A total of 339 patients (mean age 23.5 years, 62% male) were identified. Most patients (89%) were admitted during the early morning and during weekends (89%). Symptoms began in a public place in 97%. Reduced consciousness was the most important clinical manifestation, since 72% of patients had a Glasgow Coma Score of 12 or less. Seventy per cent stated having consumed GHB with other drugs, mainly ethyl alcohol (53%) and cocaine (16%). Some form of treatment was required in 32% of cases and 20 cases were administered an antidote: naloxone (12 cases), flumazenil (8 cases) and physostigmine (6 cases). Five patients needed orotracheal intubation and ventilatory support. One patient needed advanced vital support. There were no deaths.
Conclusions: GHB intoxication leading to reduced consciousness is a frequent motive for admission to the ED, mostly in young people and in the early morning during the weekend. GHB intoxication should be discarded in all cases of coma of unknown origin.