Halothane-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Two cases are reported of combined renal and hepatic failure following exposure to halothane anesthesia. Both patients presented with postoperative fever and rapidly deteriorating liver and kidney function. Both required peritoneal dialysis. Both patients died, and in both cases this was the second exposure to halothane. The pathologic features of the 2 cases were similar in that the liver changes were typical of those seen with halothane hepatitis and the renal lesion was similar to that of methoxyflurane nephritis. This is, to our knowledge, the third report of renal failure occurring after halothane anesthesia. Possible mechanisms regarding its toxicity are discussed.