title: Saved by a material safety data sheet.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We present the case of a young female laboratory worker who developed acute hepatic encephalopathy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To show that knowledge of occupational exposures to causative agents can alter therapeutic management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Although the patient was in a deep coma, her family members examined the workplace material safety data sheet, revealing exposure to chloroform. Since most chemical-induced hepatitis is self-limiting, a scheduled liver transplantation was postponed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient recovered. Subsequent air sampling suggested that the patient had been exposed to chloroform at a concentration of more than 15 ppm for 2 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our case report demonstrates the importance of obtaining an occupational history and how the patient's family can be important in this process.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ching-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chung-Li
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Chang-Chuan
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Jung-Der
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000150:complications; D002725:Chloroform / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D016272:Occupational Health; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D002725:Chloroform