N,N-dimethylformamide-induced acute hepatic failure: A case report and literature review

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is a major solvent predominantly used in the chemical industry. The main toxic effects following exposure to DMF are gastric irritation, skin eruption and hepatotoxicity. However, hepatic failure induced by DMF is rare. In this report, we present a case of acute hepatic failure following exposure to a toxic dose of DMF via respiratory tract inhalation and skin absorption with detailed abdominal computed tomography scan, sequential laboratory data and polymorphisms. The patient recovered satisfactorily following artificial liver support therapy and pharmacological agents to protect the liver in addition to plasma, blood platelet and albumin transfusions. In view of the high mortality rate and rare occurrence rate of acute hepatic failure, the clinical characteristics, polymorphisms and therapeutic strategy of DMF poisoning are discussed.