Rodrigues Alessi Mateus, Contin de Oliveira Gabriel Felipe, Shinmi Gabriella, Castro Matheus L, Ramos Valentina G, Triches Guilherme, Bremer Fabiola, Homero Dos Santos Alan, Mauer Sivan
Department of Medicine, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, BRA.
Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitário Evangélico Mackenzie, Curitiba, BRA.
Cureus. 2025 Jul 11;17(7):e87728. doi: 10.7759/cureus.87728. eCollection 2025 Jul.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with psychoactive and anesthetic properties, increasingly implicated in recreational use and drug-facilitated crimes. Its effects are amplified when combined with alcohol, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in emergency settings due to its rapid metabolism and frequent co-ingestion with other substances. We describe two cases of severe GHB intoxication in adult male patients resulting in bradycardia, respiratory depression, and decreased level of consciousness requiring orotracheal intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) stabilization. Awareness of GHB's clinical profile is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Given its association with drug-facilitated sexual assault and the potential for life-threatening outcomes, healthcare professionals must maintain a high index of suspicion and initiate appropriate supportive measures promptly.
γ-羟基丁酸（GHB）是一种具有精神活性和麻醉特性的中枢神经系统（CNS）抑制剂，越来越多地涉及到娱乐性使用和药物辅助犯罪。当与酒精合用时，其作用会增强，由于其代谢迅速且经常与其他物质同时摄入，在紧急情况下对诊断和治疗构成挑战。我们描述了两例成年男性患者严重GHB中毒的病例，导致心动过缓、呼吸抑制和意识水平下降，需要进行气管插管和重症监护病房（ICU）稳定治疗。了解GHB的临床特征对于及时诊断和治疗至关重要。鉴于其与药物辅助性性侵的关联以及危及生命的潜在后果，医疗保健专业人员必须保持高度的怀疑指数并迅速启动适当的支持措施。
