Determination of endogenous/exogenous γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in urine

Background γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an endogenous metabolite and a precursor of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid. In some European countries GHB is also used as an anaesthetic agent and in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. The purpose of the present study was to determine GHB concentrations in urine to enable discrimination between endogenous GHB and exogenous GHB derived from therapeutic administration (Alcover®, Laboratorio farmaceutico C.T.Srl, Sanremo).