Jaundice after repeated exposure to halothane: an analysis of Reports to the Committee on Safety of Medicines

Br Med J. 1974 Jan 5;1(5896):5-10. doi: 10.1136/bmj.1.5896.5.

Abstract

Analysis of data derived from 130 reports of jaundice occurring after anaesthesia with halothane showed a significant relation between the number of exposures to this anaesthetic and the rapidity with which jaundice develops after exposure. This is considered to provide strong evidence of a cause-effect relationship between the use of halothane and jaundice. Out of 114 patients with complete anaesthetic histories 94 (82%) had been exposed more than once; of those so exposed 80% had been anaesthetized with halothane more than once within 28 days. Altogether 66 (51%) of the 130 patients died.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Anesthesia, Inhalation / adverse effects
  • England
  • Female
  • Halothane / adverse effects*
  • Hepatitis A / mortality
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / chemically induced*
  • Jaundice / mortality
  • Liver Diseases / mortality
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
  • Time Factors
  • Wales

Substances

  • Halothane