[Centrolobular liver cell necroses following occupational halothane contact. Association with antibodies to halothane altered liver cell components].

A report is given on a 24 year old nurse, who developed two episodes of fever, chills and malaise with high serum enzyme levels and histologic proof of extensive centrolobular hepatic necrosis in association with vocational halothane exposure in the operating theatre. A cause-effect relationship was suggested by the demonstration of antibodies against halothane-altered hepatocyte membrane components. Also, there was no indication of other known causes of a cytotoxic liver reaction. In certain predisposed individuals, halothane even in subanaesthetic concentrations is apparently able to induce liver cell damage. Only six further reports on such liver injuries in medical personnel could be found in the literature.