Liquid ecstasy intoxication: clinical features of 505 consecutive emergency department patients.

摘要

BACKGROUND: To describe the epidemiological profile and clinical manifestations of liquid ecstasy (GHB) poisonings. METHODS: All cases of GHB poisoning or overdose admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) of the Hospital Clinic (Barcelona) between 2000 and 2007 were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 505 patients (mean age 24.7 years, 68% men) were included. Most patients were brought to the hospital by ambulance (98%), during the weekend (89%) and during the early morning (75%). Symptoms began in a public place in 97%. Reduced consciousness was the most important clinical manifestation: 72% of patients had a Glasgow Coma Score of