title: Acute poisoning from gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
abstract: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicitly marketed substance promoted by body builders as a growth hormone releaser. Poisoning can produce seizures and coma. Acute poisonings from GHB have primarily been reported on the West coast and the Southeast. We report two cases from Kansas City where the patients presented in, or developed profound coma. Physicians should suspect GHB poisoning in patients who present with unexplained seizures and/or coma, particularly if they are body builders, health food fanatics or dieters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Truman Medical Center, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Steele
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced; D004033:Diet Fads; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008923:Missouri; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000506:poisoning*; D014891:Weight Lifting
chemical_list: D012978:Sodium Oxybate