Prevalence of GHB-Related Presentations to a Metropolitan Emergency Department in Melbourne.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a commonly used recreational substance. It has a narrow therapeutic index. The management of GHB overdose in the emergency department (ED) is labour and resource intensive. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of GHB presentations at one of Victoria's largest tertiary hospitals.

Methodology

We conducted a retrospective study on GHB-related ED presentations between 2014 and 2024 and reported a case series of admissions to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For ICU admitted patients, confirmation of GHB presence in blood was collected through the Emerging Drug Network of Australia-Victoria (EDNAV) study.

Results

We recorded 2631 cases of GHB-related presentations. The median age was 29 years and 42.3% of cases were

SUBMITTER: Akhlaghi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320211 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature