Recurrent Hepatitis Attributable to Halothane Sensitization in an Anesthetist

Abstract

In an anesthetist with a history of hay fever and asthma recurrent hepatitis led to the development of cirrhosis. Each of the relapses coincided with the patient's return to work and re-exposure to halothane. Challenge with a non-anesthetic dose of halothane (0.1 to 0.2 per cent in oxygen for five minutes) provoked an identical relapse characterized by chills, fever and acute hepatitis, documented both biochemically and histologically. These observations support the view that halothane is a sensitizing agent capable of evoking acute hepatitis and other manifestations of hypersensitivity in a few uniquely susceptible persons.