Halothane hepatitis: a case report

This report describes a patient who required 12 anaesthetics over a period of 25 yr. Halothane was used on at least five occasions. The first documented halothane anaesthetic was followed by jaundice. Subsequently, he received at least four halothane anaesthetics, all of which were followed by illness attributable possibly to hepatotoxicity. He also received five nonhalothane anaesthetics, none of which was followed by postoperative illness. This case history shows strong evidence of halothane causing hepatotoxicity. It also shows an inverse relationship between the severity of the disease and the interval between halothane exposures. It is presented as evidence in favour of the advice on using halothane issued by the Committee on Safety of Medicines.