Table 2 Characteristics of GHB intoxication
Intoxications (n = 78) (%) | |
|---|---|
Cause of admission | |
Coma (GCS = 3-8 and/or documented coma) | 50 (64) |
Agitation/aggression | 18 (23) |
Collapse/syncope | 7 (9) |
Convulsions/seizures | 6 (8) |
Confusion | 2 (3) |
Dizziness | 2 (3) |
Anxiety | 1 (1) |
Nausea | 1 (1) |
Delirium | 1 (1) |
Suspected intoxication | 1 (1) |
Hyperventilation | 1 (1) |
GHB identification | |
Self-report | 40 (51) |
Toxicological analysis | 24 (31) |
Self-report and toxicological analysis | 13 (17) |
GHB bottle in pocket | 1 (1) |
Initial Glasgow Coma Scale score | |
3 | 13 (17) |
4-8 | 16 (21) |
9-12 | 17 (22) |
13-15 | 22 (28) |
Unknown | 10 (13) |
Lowest Glasgow Coma Scale score | |
3 | 18 (23) |
4-8 | 17 (22) |
9-12 | 11 (14) |
13-15 | 20 (26) |
Unknown | 12 (15) |
Clinical findings any time prior or during presentation to the emergency department | |
Coma (GCS = 3-8 and/or documented coma) | 53 (68) |
Agitation | 31 (40) |
Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 95 mmHg) | 19 (24) |
Clonus | 16 (21) |
Bradycardia (<60 beats/min) | 12 (15) |
Hypothermia (< 36 °C) | 7 (9) |
Respiratory insufficiency (oxygen saturation < 92 %) | 7 (9) |
Nausea/vomiting | 7 (9) |
Urine or stool incontinence | 4 (5) |
Management | |
Monitoring | 64 (82) |
Intravenous fluids | 32 (41) |
Oxygen administration | 24 (31) |
Intubation | 8 (10) |
Urinary catheterization | 3 (4) |
External heating | 2 (3) |
Medication | |
Benzodiazepines | 10 (13) |
Naloxone | 8 (10) |
Flumazenil | 1 (1) |
Severity of poisoning (based on Poison Severity Score [27]) | |
Minor | 5 (6) |
Moderate | 17 (22) |
Severe | 56 (72) |
Discharge from emergency department | |
To home | 56 (72) |
To intensive care unit | 13 (17) |
To psychiatric clinic | 9 (12) |