A Case of Toxic Hepatitis in a Worker Exposed to a Cleansing Agent Mainly Composed of Methylene Chloride

Ha, Bong Goo; Kim, Jin Seok; Yu, Jay Young; Woo, Kuck Hyun; Ham, Jung Oh; Yoon, Seong Yong; Jang, Yong Seok; Jung, Sang Je

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To report a case of toxic hepatitis in a worker exposed to a cleansing agent mainly composed of methylene chloride.
METHODS
A 27-year-old female worker who had worked in an inspection and packing position of semiconductor parts in a factory using methylene chloride as a metal cleansing solvent was hospitalized due to fever, chill and generalized aches. We evaluated her with blood tests, abdominal ultrasonographic scan and abdominal CT scan and also took her occupational history.
RESULTS
The patient showed acute hepatitis in blood and radiologic tests after admission. The serologic tests for viral hepatitis A, B, C and autoimmune hepatitis were negative. She had no history of significant alcohol use, recent medication or drug allergy. After admission, her symptoms were improved and liver enzyme levels(AST and ALT) were markedly reduced. She returned to her workplace after discharge. Thereafter, however, her previous symptoms were recurred and she was hospitalized again 2 days after returning to her workplace. After this second admission, she showed acute hepatitis in blood tests and her symptoms were improved and liver enzyme levels were markedly reduced with the same pattern as those of the first admission. On the 11th day of the second admission, liver enzyme levels were normalized and she was discharged from hospital.
CONCLUSIONS
We presume that this patient`s liver injury was related to the methylene chloride presence at her workplace due to her clinical symptoms, blood tests, radiologic tests and occupational history.