SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists
SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists
SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
P46 <br />
FATAL GHB INTOXICATION FOLLOWING RECREATIONAL USE<br />
Susan Mazarr-Proo, B.U.S.* and Sarah Kerrigan, Ph.D. <br />
New Mexico Department <strong>of</strong> Health, Scientific Laboratory Division, Toxicology Bureau. PO Box 4700, <br />
Albuquerque, NM 87196-4700. <br />
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is encountered in biological specimens both as an endogenous<br />
neuromodulator, and as a recreational drug. Illicit GHB is currently classified as a schedule I drug in the<br />
United States due its abuse among recreational drug users. Therapeutically the drug is used for the<br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> cataplexy. Illicit doses are typically 2-4 g and the onset <strong>of</strong> action is rapid, occurring 15-30<br />
minutes following oral ingestion. Dose dependent effects include drowsiness, euphoria, dizziness,<br />
vomiting, respiratory depression, coma and death.<br />
GHB was isolated from biological samples using a simple liquid-liquid extraction. Trimethylsilyl<br />
derivatives were analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry using positive chemical ionization<br />
(GCIMSIPCI). Deuterated internal standard and selective ion monitoring is used throughout. Samples were<br />
analyzed using an HP 5973 MSD equipped with a 30m DB-5 capillary column.<br />
We report a GHB fatality involving a 35 year-old male who was "partying" with friends. Subjects at the<br />
party ingested unknown quantities <strong>of</strong> wine and GHB. A female companion at the party reported seeing the<br />
male alive earlier in day before she passed out. She awoke to find the individual decedent cold and stiff.<br />
Postmortem specimens were submitted to our laboratory for comprehensive toxicology testing. No alcohol<br />
or common drugs <strong>of</strong> abuse were detected in the femoral blood. A targeted analysis revealed GHB in urine,<br />
brain, vitreous fluid, femoral blood, heart blood and liver at concentrations <strong>of</strong> 1665 mg/L, 102 mg/kg, 48<br />
mg/L, 461 mg/L, 276 mg/L and 52.2 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations <strong>of</strong> the drug in urine and vitreous<br />
fluid are extremely important in death investigations due to significant postmortem production <strong>of</strong> GHB in<br />
blood specimens. The cause <strong>of</strong> death was attributed to GHB intoxication and the manner <strong>of</strong> death was<br />
accidental.<br />
Keywords: GHB, postmortem toxicology, fatality<br />
Page 381
Change language