Specific serological markers in the diagnosis of fulminant hepatic failure associated with halothane anaesthesia

The aetiology of massive liver-cell necrosis which developed in 16 patients following halothane anaesthesia was investigated by means of new serological techniques. In eight patients a specific halothane-related antibody was found, indicating that these patients were sensitized to halothane-altered liver-cell membrane components. In four patients, hepatitis A viral infection was responsible and among the remainder one was receiving anti-tuberculous drugs and one had received a blood transfusion, thus raising the possibility of a non-A non-B viral infection. There were no biochemical or histological differences between patients in the three groups.