Saved by a material safety data sheet.

BACKGROUND We present the case of a young female laboratory worker who developed acute hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVE To show that knowledge of occupational exposures to causative agents can alter therapeutic management. METHODS Although the patient was in a deep coma, her family members examined the workplace material safety data sheet, revealing exposure to chloroform. Since most chemical-induced hepatitis is self-limiting, a scheduled liver transplantation was postponed. RESULTS The patient recovered. Subsequent air sampling suggested that the patient had been exposed to chloroform at a concentration of more than 15 ppm for 2 weeks. CONCLUSION Our case report demonstrates the importance of obtaining an occupational history and how the patient's family can be important in this process.