Final answer:
Inhaled anesthetics like halothane can cause a lethal fulminant hepatitis that resembles viral hepatitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inhaled anesthetics, especially halothane, can cause a highly lethal fulminant hepatitis, resulting in acute liver failure and centrilobular necrosis that is indistinguishable from viral hepatitis. Lab results may show elevated liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels. Additionally, there may be a decrease in blood clotting proteins and albumin production.
Elevated Liver Enzymes: Significant elevations in serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST) are common, indicating liver injury.
Hyperbilirubinemia: Increased levels of bilirubin in the blood are often observed, reflecting impaired liver function.
Prolonged Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR): Impaired synthetic function of the liver may lead to coagulopathy, as reflected by prolonged PT and INR.
Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): These liver enzymes may also be elevated, indicating cholestasis or obstruction of bile flow.
Eosinophilia: Some cases of drug-induced liver injury, including halothane hepatitis, may be associated with an increase in eosinophil count.
It's important to note that these lab findings are not specific to halothane-induced hepatitis and can also be seen in other forms of acute liver injury, including viral hepatitis. The diagnosis is typically based on a combination of clinical history, temporal association with halothane exposure, and the exclusion of other potential causes of acute liver failure.