γ-Hydroxybutyrate: experience of 9 years of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-related incidents during rave parties in The Netherlands.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) April 1, 2011 Jan Krul, Armand R J Girbes
Over nine years at 202 rave parties with about three million visitors, 771 of 22,604 first-aid attendees had GHB-related health problems, mostly mild. The average age was 25.7 years, two-thirds were male. Nearly half combined GHB with ecstasy, alcohol, or cannabis. Only one case was life-threatening; 202 were moderate, and 43 required hospital care. Altered consciousness was the most common symptom, often with vomiting or low body temperature. GHB users stayed longer at first-aid stations than other attendees (median 45 vs. 10 minutes). Severe short-term health disturbances were rare, but medical teams should be prepared to recognize GHB use and prevent aspiration and hypothermia.