Liver damage after halothane anaesthesia: analysis of cases in Finnish hospitals in 1972-1981.

A retrospective questionnaire revealed 11 patients with halothane related liver disturbances in Finland in 1972-1981. Seven of the cases were regarded as obvious and two as probable halothane hepatitis (HH). Four patients suffered HH twice, and none of the cases had a fatal outcome. The speed of onset of icterus correlated with the number of halothane exposures, as did the increase in liver enzyme (ASAT, ALAT) activities and the increase in serum bilirubin concentration. Halothane anaesthesia is strictly contraindicated if a nondefinite icterus has appeared after a previous exposure to halothane. It should not be given if unclear fever or prolonged nausea have followed a previous exposure. No major adverse effects or organ toxicity connected with enflurane were found.