Saved by a material safety data sheet.
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.
Lin
Ching-Hua
CH
Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Du
Chung-Li
CL
Chan
Chang-Chuan
CC
Wang
Jung-Der
JD
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
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D002725:Chloroform