Somnophilia and Sexual Abuse through the Administration of GHB and GBL.

Somnophilia, the desire to have sex with an unconscious, sleeping, or comatose person who is unable to respond, is a sexual paraphilia that is seldom reported. The underlying desire is often overshadowed by the act of sexual violation and when using GHB or GBL to induce unconsciousness, as in the case presented here, the victim might not even be able to recall, for certain, that they have been sexually violated. A case study is offered of a somnophile who adulterated drinks to render young men unconscious, so he could rape them in that state, before progressing to administering drugs anally on the pretext of applying lubrication to the anus to facilitate sexual intercourse. The offender's fetishistic compulsion to have sex with unconscious men propelled him to experiment with the means by which he surreptitiously administered drugs to his victims in order to deepen their comatose state.

Intoxication by gamma hydroxybutyrate and related analogues: Clinical characteristics and comparison between pure intoxication and that combined with other substances of abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To study the profile of European gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gammabutyrolactone (GBL) intoxication and analyse the differences in the clinical manifestations produced by intoxication by GHB/GBL alone and in combination with other substances of abuse. METHOD: We prospectively collected data on all the patients attended in the Emergency Departments (ED) of the centres participating in the Euro-DEN network over 12 months (October 2013 to September 2014) with a primary presenting complaint of drug intoxication (excluding ethanol alone) and registered the epidemiological and clinical data and outcomes. RESULTS: We included 710 cases (83% males, mean age 31 years), representing 12.6% of the total cases attended for drug intoxication. Of these, 73.5% arrived at the ED by ambulance, predominantly during weekend, and 71.7% consumed GHB/GBL in combination with other substances of abuse, the most frequent additional agents being ethanol (50%), amphetamine derivatives (36%), cocaine (12%) and cannabis (8%). Among 15 clinical features pre-defined in the project database, the 3 most frequently identified were altered behaviour (39%), reduced consciousness (34%) and anxiety (14%). The severity ranged from mild cases requiring no treatment (308 cases, 43.4%) to severe cases requiring admission to intensive care (103 cases, 14.6%) and mechanical ventilation (49 cases, 6.9%). No deaths were reported. In comparison with only GHB/GBL consumption, patients consuming GHB/GBL with co-intoxicants presented more vomiting (15% vs. 3%, p<0.001) and cardiovascular symptoms (5.3% vs. 1.5%, p<0.05), a greater need for treatment (59.8% vs. 48.3%, p<0.01) and a longer ED stay (11.3% vs. 3.6% patients with ED stay >12h, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The profile of the typical GHB/GBL-intoxicated European is a young male, requiring care for altered behaviour and reduced level of consciousness, mainly during the weekend. The clinical features are more severe when GHB is consumed in combination with other substances of abuse.

Life-threatening acute lung injury after gamma butyrolactone ingestion.

We describe a case of a 44-year-old woman with a borderline personality disorder and chronic gamma- butyrolactone (GBL) use who presented with progressive dyspnoea and an altered mental status. A high anion gap metabolic acidosis and acute lung injury was diagnosed. We hypothesise this was caused by GBL. In this case report we describe the diagnostic process and possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may have led to this life-threatening condition.

[Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its lactone (GBL) as psychoactive substances]. / Kwas gamma-hydroksymaslowy (GHB) i jego lakton (GBL) jako substancje psychoaktywne.

Gammabutyrolactone is included in the solvent such as wheel cleaners, pesticides, cosmetics, drugs. After ingestion GBL is converted to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Both substances are classified as so called "club drugs" and their action is characterized by euphoria, sedation, and induction of retrograde amnesia of events. These activities were basis for the use of GHB and its lactone as rape pill. Acute poisoning with these compounds causes confusion, agitation, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, dyskinesia, hallucinations, coma, irregular breathing, hypothermia, bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions, respiratory paralysis and thus respiratory arrest. These substances carry a risk of development of physical addiction of the hard proceeding of abstinence syndrome. In the USA there is a ban on the sale and promotion of these compounds. In Poland despite the fact that GHB is a controlled substance, there is no regulation of GBL trading. The aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge regarding the pharmacology, impact on the human body, toxicity, and the effects of chronic abuse of these substances.

The clinical toxicology of γ-hydroxybutyrate, γ-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol.

INTRODUCTION: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), are drugs of abuse which act primarily as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. In recent years, the rising recreational use of these drugs has led to an increasing burden upon health care providers. Understanding their toxicity is therefore essential for the successful management of intoxicated patients. We review the epidemiology, mechanisms of toxicity, toxicokinetics, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of poisoning due to GHB and its analogs and discuss the features and management of GHB withdrawal. METHODS: OVID MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science databases were searched using the terms "GHB," "gamma-hydroxybutyrate," "gamma-hydroxybutyric acid," "4-hydroxybutanoic acid," "sodium oxybate," "gamma-butyrolactone," "GBL," "1,4-butanediol," and "1,4-BD" alone and in combination with the keywords "pharmacokinetics," "kinetics," "poisoning," "poison," "toxicity," "ingestion," "adverse effects," "overdose," and "intoxication." In addition, bibliographies of identified articles were screened for additional relevant studies including nonindexed reports. Non-peer-reviewed sources were also included: books, relevant newspaper reports, and applicable Internet resources. These searches produced 2059 nonduplicate citations of which 219 were considered relevant. EPIDEMIOLOGY: There is limited information regarding statistical trends on world-wide use of GHB and its analogs. European data suggests that the use of GHB is generally low; however, there is some evidence of higher use among some sub-populations, settings, and geographical areas. In the United States of America, poison control center data have shown that enquiries regarding GHB have decreased between 2002 and 2010 suggesting a decline in use over this timeframe. MECHANISMS OF ACTION: GHB is an endogenous neurotransmitter synthesized from glutamate with a high affinity for GHB-receptors, present on both on pre- and postsynaptic neurons, thereby inhibiting GABA release. In overdose, GHB acts both directly as a partial GABA(b) receptor agonist and indirectly through its metabolism to form GABA. TOXICOKINETICS: GHB is rapidly absorbed by the oral route with peak blood concentrations typically occurring within 1 hour. It has a relatively small volume of distribution and is rapidly distributed across the blood-brain barrier. GHB is metabolized primarily in the liver and is eliminated rapidly with a reported 20-60 minute half-life. The majority of a dose is eliminated completely within 4-8 hours. The related chemicals, 1,4-butanediol and gamma butyrolactone, are metabolized endogenously to GHB. CLINICAL FEATURES OF POISONING: GHB produces CNS and respiratory depression of relatively short duration. Other commonly reported features include gastrointestinal upset, bradycardia, myoclonus, and hypothermia. Fatalities have been reported. MANAGEMENT OF POISONING: Supportive care is the mainstay of management with primary emphasis on respiratory and cardiovascular support. Airway protection, intubation, and/or assisted ventilation may be indicated for severe respiratory depression. Gastrointestinal decontamination is unlikely to be beneficial. Pharmacological intervention is rarely required for bradycardia; however, atropine administration may occasionally be warranted. WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME: Abstinence after chronic use may result in a withdrawal syndrome, which may persist for days in severe cases. Features include auditory and visual hallucinations, tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, anxiety, agitation, paranoia, insomnia, disorientation, confusion, and aggression/combativeness. Benzodiazepine administration appears to be the treatment of choice, with barbiturates, baclofen, or propofol as second line management options. CONCLUSIONS: GHB poisoning can cause potentially life-threatening CNS and respiratory depression, requiring appropriate, symptom-directed supportive care to ensure complete recovery. Withdrawal from GHB may continue for up to 21 days and can be life-threatening, though treatment with benzodiazepines is usually effective.

Temporal differences in γ-hydroxybutyrate overdoses involving injecting drug users versus recreational drug users in Helsinki: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) have been profiled as 'party drugs' used mainly at dance parties and in nightclubs on weekend nights. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of injecting drug use among GHB/GBL overdose patients and whether there are temporal differences in the occurrence of GHB/GBL overdoses of injecting drug and recreational drug users. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the ambulance and hospital records of suspected GHB- and GBL overdose patients treated by the Helsinki Emergency Medical Service from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2007 were reviewed. According to the temporal occurrence of the overdose, patients were divided in two groups. In group A, the overdose occurred on a Friday-Saturday or Saturday-Sunday night between 11 pm-6 am. Group B consisted of overdoses occurring on outside this time frame. RESULTS: Group A consisted of 39 patient contacts and the remaining 61 patient contacts were in group B. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in (group A vs. B, respectively): history of injecting drug abuse (33% vs. 59%, p = 0.012), reported polydrug and ethanol use (80% vs. 62%, p = 0.028), the location where the patients were encountered (private or public indoors or outdoors, 10%, 41%, 41% vs. 25%, 18%, 53%, p = 0.019) and how the knowledge of GHB/GBL use was obtained (reported by patient/bystanders or clinical suspicion, 72%, 28% vs. 85%, 10%, p = 0.023). Practically all (99%) patients were transported to emergency department after prehospital care. CONCLUSION: There appears to be at least two distinct groups of GHB/GBL users. Injecting drug users represent the majority of GHB/GBL overdose patients outside weekend nights.

Two cases of near-fatal gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) ingestion and intoxication.

We present two cases of GBL intoxication. Patient A is a 45-year old man who lost consciousness after drinking a clear unknown liquid. He was brought to the Emergency Departement (ED) after he was intubated. His partner notified the liquid could be GBL, a prodrug for GHB. He regained consciousness 16 hours later in the intensive care unit (ICU) where he could be successfully extubated. Patient B is a 25-year old man who was found unconscious at home with next to him an empty bottle of GBL. He was intubated in the intensive care unit. He could be extubated after 12 hours. GBL intoxication is becoming a more frequent problem and overdosage of GBL can rapidly occur because of its rapid onset and high potency when compared to GHB. We discuss the clinical course and complications after GBL ingestion and intoxication.

[Abuse of γ-hydroxybutyrate]. / Misbruk av gammahydroksybutyrat.

BACKGROUND: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is naturally present in the human body, but may also be used as an intoxicating drug. Information from several sources has suggested its increased availability and use in Norway. There have also been reports of an increasing use of the chemical precursor gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).There is currently a need for knowledge on symptoms, addictiveness and overdoses, as well as targeted preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article is based on a discretionary selection of articles resulting from a literature search in PubMed, as well as reports from Norwegian and European authorities and research institutions. RESULTS: An intake of small amounts of GHB produces an intoxicating effect, whereas higher doses can result in poisoning. Deaths have been reported. The effect may be variable, due to a steep dose-response curve and interaction with alcohol and other intoxicants. Treatment of poisoning is symptomatic and supportive. Treatment of abstinence is also supportive, while delirium may be treated as delirium tremens. INTERPRETATION: Preventive measures should be tailored specifically to potential user-groups.

[Acute gamma-butyrolactone poisoning with withdrawal syndrome]. / Ostre zatrucie gamma-butyrolaktonem z zespolem abstynencyjnym.

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is a solvent that are part of many consumer products and in most countries can be legally purchased in the form of almost pure substance. After ingestion GBL is rapidly converted to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). In recent years, GBL became a legal alternative to GHB, which is used widely since 1990s as a club drug and date rape drug. It is believed that abuse of GBL is not frequent in Europe, except for certain specific groups, mainly in urban centers in the west of the continent. We present a case of acute GBL poisoning with the withdrawal syndrome in 23-year-old man living in a rural area in eastern Poland. The patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of coma of unknown origin. On admission erosions of the lips and mouth was seen. Ethyl alcohol was not present in blood sample, urine screening tests for drugs were negative. During his stay in the ICU patient required ventilatory support, was periodically agitated with muscular jerks and opisthotonos. The later medical history revealed that the patient from two years used GBL, which purchased as wheels cleaner. The tolerance developed, and the interruption of use of substance triggered symptoms of withdrawal. GBL abuse occurs in different social groups and is at risk for acute toxicity and the development of physical dependence.

Unusual presentation of a patient with GBL withdrawal: a case report.

GBL (gamma-butyro-lactone) is converted to Gamma hydroxyl butyrate (GHB) in the body. GBL and GHB are available in liquid form and powder form. Once categorised under "legal highs", these two are not associated with any dependence or withdrawal in animal studies. But there are case reports indicating their high dependence potential in humans. We here present a case of a 29 year old who came to the attention of psychiatric services with very bizarre presentation and needed a host of investigations and expert views from various medical disciplines. He was treated mainly symptomatically followed by a sudden dramatic recovery on the 11th day after presentation. GBL is getting popular as a recreational drug and its withdrawal should be seriously considered in the list of medical causes leading to Delirium.

A case of γ-butyrolactone associated with severe withdrawal delirium and acute renal failure.

γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a popular drug of abuse which is easily available over the internet. Following a UK classification change to a class C drug in January 2010, internet supply has become difficult. Some of the effects have resulted in sourcing GBL from industrial solvents. We report a case of a 24-year-old man who was admitted for detoxification from GBL. He reported having sourced the GBL by diluting the contents of nail varnish remover pads with water. During his admission he developed a severe withdrawal delirium and acute renal failure. He required admission to the intensive care unit. Physicians and psychiatrists should be aware of toxic sources of GBL leading to renal failure and consider GBL in those presenting with agitation, psychosis or coma.

Extreme γ-butyrolactone overdose with severe metabolic acidosis requiring hemodialysis.

γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursor γ-butyrolactone (GBL) are commonly abused drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. Therefore, overdoses occur readily with recreational use, and severe poisoning can occur after deliberate self-poisoning. We report the sequelae in a patient who ingested a massive dose of GBL, with suicidal intent. Severe metabolic acidosis and an asystolic cardiac arrest were successfully treated with standard resuscitation, supportive care, and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. Plasma GHB concentrations were the highest reported to date. The acidosis was attributed to rapid systemic absorption of GBL, followed by rapid metabolism to GHB.

[First report of lethal gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) intoxication after consumption of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in Lower Saxony]. / Erster Todesfall durch gamma-hydroxybuttersäure (GHB) nach Aufnahme von gamma-Butyrolacton (GBL) in Niedersachsen.

A 25-year-old drug addict died from an overdose of GBL after mistaking it for water in preparing a dilution. He realized his error and wrote a call for help in the chat room of a drug forum, so that we know the time, type and approximate amount of drug consumed. The deceased had written numerous contributions in this drug forum before, which provide further information on his drug habits and the duration of the abuse of GHB, GBL and other drugs. According to the Criminal Investigation Department of Lower Saxony, this is the first death due to GHB/GBL reported in Lower Saxony.

Medical and legal confusion surrounding gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4BD).

BACKGROUND: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is used as a recreational drug, with significant associated morbidity and mortality; it is therefore a class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). However, its precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4BD) remain legally available despite having similar clinical effects. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether the relative proportions of self-reported ingestions of GHB or its precursors GBL and 1,4BD were similar to those seen in analysis of seized drugs. DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective review of our clinical toxicology database to identify all cases of self-reported recreational GHB, GBL and 1,4BD use associated with ED presentation in 2006. Additionally all seized substances on people attending local club venues were analysed by a Home Office approved laboratory to identify any illicit substances present. RESULTS: In 2006, there were a total of 158 ED presentations, of which 150 (94.9%) and 8 (5.1%) were GHB and GBL self-reported ingestions respectively; 96.8% (153) were recreational use. Of the 418 samples seized, 225 (53.8%) were in liquid form; 85 (37.8%) contained GHB and 140 (62.2%) contained GBL. None of the seized samples contained 1,4BD and there were no self-reported 1,4BD ingestions. CONCLUSION: Self-reported GHB ingestion was much more common than GBL ingestion, whereas GBL was more commonly found in the seized samples. These differences suggest that GBL use may be more common than previously thought and we suggest that there should be further debate about the legal status of the precursors of GHB.