GHB, Platypus stings and Tox Research using the SDPR - Ingrid Berling & Nick Dafters

In this episode, Nick Dafters & Ingrid Berling dive into the sharp rise of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) presentations across Australian Emergency Departments. They review recent literature on the incidence of aspiration events and unpack strategies to risk-stratify patients most vulnerable to severe complications as well as discussing the clinical challenge of delayed-onset toxicity caused by GHB precursors—especially when co-ingested with alcohol. 

There's a segment on the rare presentation of toxicity following a sting from a duck-billed platypus, the limited evidence around treatment options and the potential clinical sequelae.

Finally, they review the rollout of the state-wide Electronic Medical Record (eMR) in NSW and its potential to transform future emergency and toxicology research.

If you're interested in learning more about Emergency Toxicology, check out the Tox Course at ETM Online 

Growing burden of gamma-hydroxybutyrate intoxication on emergency department resource utilisation

Indications for and complications of endotracheal intubation in gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdoses admitted to a toxicology unit

Trends in gamma-hydroxybutyrate use, harms and treatment in Australia, 2013 to 2024 

A multicentre case series of analytically confirmed gamma-hydroxybutyrate intoxications in Western Australian emergency departments: Pre-hospital circumstances, co-detections and clinical outcomes

Prevalence of GHB-Related Presentations to a Metropolitan Emergency Department in Melbourne

Platypus Envenomation