[Chloroform-induced hepatic injury: a case report].

Chemical hepatic injury is not rare in Taiwan. We here report such an injury induced by chloroform. A previously healthy 26-year-old married woman was admitted under the impression of acute chemical hepatitis in December, 1991. Two weeks before, she had used chloroform as glue to unite two pieces of plastic pencil sharpener at home. Nasty odor was sensed while working. After series of hepatitis workup, liver echo, site visit, survey of coworkers and gas chromatography for the "glue", the diagnosis of chloroform-induced hepatic injury was confirmed. This case found that neither employer nor employee was aware of the toxicity of chloroform. No ventilation system or personal respiratory protection equipment was provided. Preemployment training and Material Safety Data Sheet were obviously insufficient, also. The diagnostic criteria of chemical hepatic injury were therefore proposed to alert medical professionals, industrial hygienist, safety personnel and factory inspectors, not to prompt an early diagnosis but also hopefully to prevent the occurrence of occupational liver diseases.