title: An outbreak of refrigerant-induced acute hepatitis in Hong Kong.
abstract: We report a cluster of acute hepatitis in five air-conditioning maintenance workers following accidental exposure to 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123). They presented to us with complaints of feverishness, generalised malaise, and epigastric discomfort. Their blood biochemistry tests were compatible with acute hepatitis. Viral hepatitis serology, tests for autoimmune hepatitis, and analyses for drugs and alcohol consumption were all negative. No focal hepatic lesion was detected by ultrasound imaging. Percutaneous liver biopsy samples were taken from two of them. The patients were managed with supportive treatment. All had spontaneous, but slow, recovery. Their liver function tests returned to normal after 4 months and their outcomes were favourable. Physicians should be aware of this occupational disease entity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Kan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Loo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D064227:Chlorofluorocarbons, Ethane / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016273:Occupational Exposure
chemical_list: D064227:Chlorofluorocarbons, Ethane; C067411:2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane
keywords: Chlorofluorocarbons/toxicity; Drug-induced liver injury; Occupational diseases