Documenting spiking incidents in Ghent
Characteristics of Spiking in Ghent: a Multicentric Prospective Observational Study
This study is trying to gather information about spiking incidents in Ghent by talking to patients who think they’ve been spiked and testing their blood and urine for drugs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Gent and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06207396 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to document the incidence and characteristics of spiking incidents in the Ghent region through patient interviews and toxicological analysis. Patients presenting at emergency departments with suspected spiking will be invited to participate, providing demographic information and symptoms experienced. Blood and urine samples will be collected for analysis within specific timeframes to identify any exogenous substances. The results can be added to the patient's medical file upon request.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 18 years who suspect they have been victims of spiking within the last 96 hours.
Not a fit: Patients who report incidents more than 5 days after the event or those with suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of spiking incidents and improve patient care and safety measures.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on spiking incidents exist, this specific multicentric observational approach focusing on the Ghent region is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>18 years * Patient self-reports suspicion of spiking OR there is a suspicion of spiking by physician, police, paramedics or patient's companions * willingness to provide urine and/or blood samples (depending on timing after event) Exclusion Criteria: * Reporting more than 5 days after spiking * Unable to reliably complete the questionnaire (can be after clinical observation/recovery). * Not declaring proficiency in the language in which informed consent is offered (Dutch/English). * Not agreeing to the informed consent. * Do not consent to blood and urine collection and/or analysis. * There is a suspicion of Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (to be referred to Care Center Sexual Violence, ZSG, where parallel study is ongoing).
Where this trial is running
Gent and 3 other locations
- AZ Maria Middelares — Gent, Belgium (Recruiting)
- Spoedgevallendienst AZ Jan Palfijn — Gent, Belgium (Recruiting)
- Spoedgevallendienst AZ St. Lucas — Gent, Belgium (Recruiting)
- Spoedgevallendienst — Gent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cathelijne Lyphout, MD
- Email: cathelijne.lyphout@uzgent.be
- Phone: 093322111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.