Risk factors for halothane hepatitis.
Helothane hepatitis is a rare but sometimes fatal complication of halothane anaesthesia. Examination of case reports has pointed to a number of risk factors. Studies in animals and humans in the laboratory have provided evidence of a complex multifactorial basis for halothane hepatotoxicity, with the following factors playing a part: genetic predisposition; metabolism of halothane; repeated halothane anaesthetics; female sex; age of patient; intrahepatic hypoxia; and enzyme induction. Immunologic changes can be detected in a high percentage of cases of halothane hepatitis; however, studies establishing a cause-effect relationship are not available to determine if these changes cause, or result from, hepatic damage.
Cousins
M J
MJ
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia.
Plummer
J L
JL
Hall
P D
PD
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006221:Halothane / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors
D006221:Halothane