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Case report: Another death associated to γ-hydroxybutyric acid intoxication
Theresa Küting1, Michael Krämer1, Wolfgang Bicker2
1University of Bonn, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany.
Forensic Science International
|April 7, 2019
Summary
This study details a fatal gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) intoxication case. Postmortem analysis revealed significantly elevated GHB levels in blood, tissues, and hair, confirming lethal exogenous GHB intake.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant with potential for abuse and toxicity.
- Establishing the cause of death in suspected intoxication cases requires accurate postmortem toxicological analysis.
Observation:
- A fatal intoxication case involving a 40-year-old male with reported GHB beverage consumption was investigated.
- Postmortem analysis of various biological matrices (blood, urine, tissues, gastric content, hair) and an exhibit liquid was performed.
Findings:
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detected high GHB concentrations in all analyzed postmortem samples, exceeding established cut-off values.
- The exhibit liquid showed increasing GHB concentrations over time, influenced by pH, indicating potential for degradation or concentration changes in stored samples.
- GHB was quantified in head hair segments, providing evidence of chronic or significant exposure.
Implications:
- The findings support the identification of exogenous GHB intake as the cause of death through comprehensive toxicological profiling.
- This case highlights the importance of considering GHB in postmortem investigations and the stability of GHB in exhibits.
- Accurate analytical methods are crucial for quantifying GHB in diverse matrices for forensic and clinical toxicology.
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