Survey on the use of GHB in drug-facilitated assaults
GCS Survey: "GHB IN CHEMICAL SUBMISSION: MYTH OR REALITY?"
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06137599
This study is trying to find out how often GHB is used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults by looking at cases and talking to victims who show signs of being drugged.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bondy and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06137599 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the prevalence of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in cases of chemical submission, particularly in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Conducted by the Addictovigilance center of Paris, the study will utilize capillary analysis to gather data from victims who exhibit clinical signs suggestive of chemical submission. The research seeks to address the limitations of previous surveys and provide a clearer understanding of GHB's role in these incidents. By analyzing historical data and current cases, the study aims to determine whether the perception of GHB as a prevalent 'rape drug' is a myth or a reality.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are French-speaking adults over 18 who have experienced suspected chemical submission with relevant clinical signs.
Not a fit: Patients who are minors, recreational users of GHB, or those with no evidence of a crime may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved detection and understanding of drug-facilitated assaults, enhancing victim support and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have reported low incidences of GHB in chemical submissions, this approach using capillary analysis is novel and aims to address under-detection issues.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Victims over the age of majority (≥ 18 years) on the day of the alleged events * With a medical history leading to the suspicion of chemical submission: * Presence of evocative clinical signs (amnesia and/or behavioural disorders and/or neurological disorders and/or other somatic disorders, etc.) AND * In the presence of potential criminal acts (suspected or proven assault or attempted assault). * French speaking * Having been informed of the search Exclusion Criteria: * \- Victims who were minors (\<18 years) on the day of the alleged events. * Victims who usually use GHB/GBL recreationally. * Suspecting administration of a harmful substance with no crime or offence committed at the time and no attempted assault * Victims of needle spiking * Victims with very short hair (\<3 cm), bald or shaven heads * Victims who have exceeded the maximum time limit for taking a hair sample (6 months after the event) * Do not speak French * Oppose to participating in the study * Victims presenting a psychotic or cognitive syndrome likely to impair judgement Victims placed under guardianship or legal protection (article L11-22-2 CSP)
Where this trial is running
Bondy and 2 other locations
- Laetitia LASNE — Bondy, France (RECRUITING)
- Elisabeth ALCARAZ — Paris, France (RECRUITING)
- Leila CHAOUACHI — Paris, France (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Leïla CHAOUACHI, PharmD
- Email: Leila.chaouachi@aphp.fr
- Phone: 01 40 05 42 70
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.
Conditions: CHEMICAL SUBMISSION, Chemical vulnerability, Drug facilitated Crime, Gamma hydroxybutyrate, Capillary analysis