Gamma-hydroxybutyrate poisoning from toy beads.

A 2-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with a decreased level of consciousness. The girl had had persistent vomiting and a seizure. Urine metabolic screening tests were positive for gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Samples from toy beads ingested by both children contained 1,4-butanediol, which is metabolised to GHB in humans. Regulatory authorities were notified, leading to an international recall of the toy beads.