LEUKOCYTE MIGRATION-INHIBITION IN HALOTHANE-INDUCED HEPATITIS

A cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of halothane-induced hepatitis. Previous reports have demonstrated that in vitro parameters of cell-mediated immunity may be useful tools in the diagnosis of this disease. During the past 5 years, 11 patients have presented with suspected halothane hepatitis. Five patients subsequently were biopsy-proven halothane hepatitis, 4 patients had the clinical manifestations consistent with the disease, and 2 patients were subsequently shown not to have halothane hepatitis. Halothane-induced leukocyte migration inhibition was demonstrated in 6 of 9 patients with halothane hepatitis. One patient without halothane hepatitis did show a positive test. We conclude that migration inhibition may be a help in the diagnosis of halothane-induced hepatitis. © 1979.