Investigation into Endogenous GHB Concentrations in Post-Mortem Blood
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into Endogenous Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Concentrations in Post-Mortem Blood
IRAS ID
163903
Contact name
Ann-Sophie Korb
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 24 days
Research summary
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous molecule to the mammalian tissue; however it has also been encountered as a recreational drug, a drug of abuse, as well as a prescription medication for narcolepsy and as a treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The drug has caused much debate in recent years, mainly arising from its suspected use in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA).
Following death, the concentration of GHB in the blood can increase. There are a number of possible mechanisms which may explain why and how this occurs. Researchers have suggested that both putrefaction and microorganisms may play a role but other research has suggested that an increase is caused by the glycolysis of bacteria after death.
The precise mechanisms remain unknown and as a consequence, the increase in endogenous GHB concentrations makes interpretation challenging. Cut-off levels ranging from 5 mg/L to 50 mg/L have been suggested to aid in the differentiation between exogenously ingested GHB and endogenous concentrations. In post-mortem cases, it is important to be able to distinguish between these to prevent the wrong cause of death or contributory cause of death from being assigned.
The purpose of the research is to review Scottish post-mortem cases which were found to be positive for GHB and where the GHB was believed to be present endogenously and not through external use. The post-mortem cases to be reviewed are those that were received into Forensic Medicine and Science, University of Glasgow from July 2010 to July 2016. This study will investigate whether existing proposed cut-offs for endogenous GHB are suitable.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
16/WS/0236
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion