title: Lethal complications after poisoning with chloroform--case report and literature review.
abstract: Chloroform is a potent central nervous system and respiratory depressant. The toxicities associated with chloroform frequently occur after inhalation. Hepatotoxicity is secondary to production of a toxic metabolite, with a peak elevation of liver enzymes 72 hours after exposure. Acute liver failure after chloroform inhalation is rarely described, this syndrome being produced mainly by viral hepatitis, idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury, and acetaminophen ingestion. This report describes the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented to emergency department with coma, signs of respiratory failure, and solvent odor of her breath after chloroform inhalation and binge drinking. In evolution appeared lethal acute liver failure and rhabdomyolysis, despite maximum supportive care. Necroptic examination revealed microvesicular steatosis and tubular renal necrosis, specific for chloroform toxicity. This case illustrates the dramatic impact on liver of two well-recognized hepatotoxins. Mechanisms of chloroform and alcohol-induced liver toxicity are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Medical Clinic, Sf.Ioan Emergency Clinic Hospital, Gr.T.Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania. clionte@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Cătălina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lionte
mesh_terms: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002725:Chloroform / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D001239:Inhalation; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications*; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D009336:Necrosis; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D012646:Self Administration
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009294:Narcotics; D000431:Ethanol; D002725:Chloroform