Saved by a material safety data sheet

Authors: Lin, Ching-Hua; Du, Chung-Li; Chan, Chang-Chuan; Wang, Jung-Der

Source: Occupational Medicine, Volume 55, Number 8, December 2005 , pp. 635-637(3)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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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.

Keywords: Chloroform; hepatic failure; material safety data sheet

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqi146

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