Problems of Forensic Sciences 2012 Vol. 89 (LXXXIX) 99-108
ACUTE POISONING WITH LIQUID CONTAINING GAMMA-BUTYROLACTONE (GBL)
Ewa GOMÓŁKA1, 2, Beata BYSTROWSKA2, Krzysztof CISZOWSKI1, Barbara GROSZEK3, Beata SZKOLNICKA1
1Department of Toxicology and Environmental Diseases, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
2Diagnostics Department, University Hospital, Kraków, Poland
3Toxicology and Environmental Disease Ward, Ludwik Rydygier Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
Streszczenie
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is used as a solvent and cleaning agent, e.g. on chromium surfaces and to remove graffiti. After oral administration, it metabolises in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and has a depressive effect (characteristic for this compound) on the central nervous system (CNS). This study presents a case of an acute, unintentional, oral poisoning of a 72 year old female with Pure Cleaner fluid, which contains GBL. The symptoms of poisoning developed rapidly. An unconscious, intubated woman with respiratory failure and bradycardia was admitted to the Toxicology Clinic in Kraków. Ingestion of sedative and hypnotic drugs and ethanol by the patient was ruled out by toxicological analysis. A diagnosis of poisoning was made on the basis of an interview and symptoms. Extensive toxicological analysis was performed with LC-MS. GBL was determined in the Pure Cleaner liquid that was brought to the Clinic together with the patient. The GHB concentration in the patient’s urine collected on admission to the hospital was 1550 mg/l (±201.5 mg/l).