Prolonged halothane hepatitis. Prompt resolution of severe lesion with corticosteroid therapy

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Anesthesiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Halothane is an anesthetic agent that can cause liver injury.
• Corticosteroid use in halothane hepatitis has been previously reported but often initiated early.
• Delayed spontaneous resolution of halothane-induced liver injury is a clinical concern.

Observation:

• A patient developed acute halothane hepatitis after a second anesthetic exposure.
• The patient remained ill for five weeks without spontaneous improvement.
• Prednisone therapy was initiated after the prolonged symptomatic period.

Findings:

• Clinical improvement was observed shortly after starting prednisone.
• Laboratory studies normalized following corticosteroid treatment.
• Severe liver lesions resolved with prednisone intervention.

Implications:

• Corticosteroids may be beneficial for halothane-induced liver injury if spontaneous resolution is not prompt.
• Prednisone therapy appears to decrease morbidity associated with halothane hepatitis.
• This case suggests corticosteroids can hasten the resolution of halothane-induced liver damage.