Specific serological markers in the diagnosis of fulminant hepatic failure associated with halothane anaesthesia.
The aetiology of massive liver-cell necrosis which developed in 16 patients following halothane anaesthesia was investigated by means of new serological techniques. In eight patients a specific halothane-related antibody was found, indicating that these patients were sensitized to halothane-altered liver-cell membrane components. In four patients, hepatitis A viral infection was responsible and among the remainder one was receiving anti-tuberculous drugs and one had received a blood transfusion, thus raising the possibility of a non-A non-B viral infection. There were no biochemical or histological differences between patients in the three groups.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D005260:Female; D006221:Halothane / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis
D000906:Antibodies; D006221:Halothane