Summary of the National Halothane Study

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Abstract
Following extensive laboratory investigation, halothane (Fluothane), 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,2-bromochloroethane, was introduced to clinical anesthesia in England in 1956 and in the United States in 1958, and in its early years of use appeared to have an impressive record of safety. Careful consideration had been given to the possibility that halothane, in common with many other halogenated compounds, might damage the liver. Studies of hepatic function in the experimental animal and in man gave no indication of halothane-induced hepatic damage, but isolated reports of massive hepatic necrosis following halothane anesthesia soon appeared1-3and suggested the need for further investigation. In December 1961, the Committee on Anesthesia of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council (NAS-NRC) designated a study group to report periodically on all clinical aspects of halothane anesthesia and to give special attention to any evidence of association with fatal postoperative hepatic necrosis. In October 1962, a subcommittee of three was

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