Saved by a material safety data sheet

Abstract

Background: We present the case of a young female laboratory worker who developed acute hepatic encephalopathy. Objective: To show that knowledge of occupational exposures to causative agents can alter therapeutic management. Methods: Although the patient was in a deep coma, her family members examined the workplace material safety data sheet, revealing exposure to chloroform. Since most chemical-induced hepatitis is self-limiting, a scheduled liver transplantation was postponed. Results: The patient recovered. Subsequent air sampling suggested that the patient had been exposed to chloroform at a concentration of more than 15 ppm for 2 weeks. Conclusion: Our case report demonstrates the importance of obtaining an occupational history and how the patient's family can be important in this process. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved.