(MET-hee-moh-GLOH-bih-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which a higher-than-normal amount of methemoglobin is found in the blood. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen. In methemoglobinemia, tissues cannot get enough oxygen.

What is the cause of methemoglobinemia?

The most common cause of congenital methemoglobinemia is cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency (type Ib5R). This enzymatic deficiency is endemic in certain Native American tribes (Navajo and Athabaskan Alaskans). Most cases of methemoglobinemia are acquired and result from exposure to certain drugs or toxins.

What is the cure for methemoglobinemia?

Methylene blue is used to treat severe cases of MetHb, and doctors may prescribe ascorbic acid to reduce the level of methemoglobin in the blood. In severe cases, a person may require a blood transfusion or exchange transfusion. Oxygen therapy will also be provided, if required.

Why is it called methemoglobin?

The word methemoglobin derives from the Ancient Greek prefix μετα- (meta-: behind, later, subsequent) and the word hemoglobin: methemoglobin = meta-hemoglobin.

What are the chances of getting methemoglobinemia?

Conclusions and relevance: The overall prevalence of methemoglobinemia is low at 0.035%; however, an increased risk was seen in hospitalized patients and with benzocaine-based anesthetics.

Methemoglobinemia, Causes, SIgns and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

28 related questions found

Who is at risk for methemoglobinemia?

Acquired methemoglobinemia is more frequent in premature infants and infants younger than 4 months, and the following factors may have a role in the higher incidence in this age group: Fetal hemoglobin may oxidize more easily than adult hemoglobin.

How does vitamin C treat methemoglobinemia?

Vitamin C is recommended for treatment of methemoglobinemia. It has been demonstrated that the reduction of the methemoglobin formation occurs at low vitamin C concentration in mice erythrocytes.

What drugs can cause methemoglobinemia?

Drugs that may cause Methemoglobinemia include nitrates derivatives (nitrates salt, nitroglycerin), nitrites derivatives (nitroprusside, amyl nitrite, nitric oxide), sulfonamides, dapsone, phenacetin, phenazopyridine, some local anesthetics such as prilocaine, topical anesthetics such as emla cream, benzocaine, ...

Why do nitrates cause methemoglobinemia?

Nitrate in water is almost completely absorbed into the blood. Our bodies convert a portion of that nitrate into nitrite. Nitrite reacts with blood to create methemoglobin. The more methemoglobin in the blood, the worse that blood is at carrying oxygen where it is needed.

Is Green blood bad?

For example, when our blood cells naturally die or get crushed, they produce bilirubin (yellow in color) and biliverdin (green) as they decompose. These are those lovely yellow and green marks around a bad bruise. Your liver cleans that out of your system as quickly as possible, because of its toxicity.

Can methemoglobinemia go away on its own?

The condition is benign. There is no effective treatment for people with a congenital form who develop an acquired form. This means that they should not take drugs such as benzocaine and lidocaine. People who acquire methemoglobinemia from medications can completely recover with proper treatment.

How can methemoglobinemia be prevented?

Recognition and avoidance of precipitating factors are important for prevention of methemoglobinemia, especially in susceptible populations. Monitoring of well water levels may be needed.

How many cases of methemoglobinemia are there?

Of the 319 cases, 7 were deaths, 32 cases were categorized as life threatening, and 216 were categorized as serious. A review of the 319 cases indicated that the development of methemoglobin emia after treatment with benzocaine sprays may not be related to the amount applied.

What does methemoglobinemia feel like?

Methemoglobinemia, or methaemoglobinaemia, is a condition of elevated methemoglobin in the blood. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, and blue-colored skin (cyanosis). Complications may include seizures and heart arrhythmias.

How is methemoglobinemia diagnosed?

The diagnosis is confirmed by direct measurement of methemoglobin by a multiple wavelength co-oximeter. On a blood gas, normal PaO2 concentrations are usually found on analysis. Clinical cyanosis in the presence of normal arterial oxygen tensions is highly suggestive of methemoglobinemia.

Where is methemoglobinemia found?

In the type I form, the soluble form of the enzyme is deficient only in erythrocytes, and cyanosis is the only symptom. Type II hereditary methemoglobinemia is due to deficiency of the membrane-bound form of the enzyme, which is located in the outer mitochondrial membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum of somatic cells.

Whose excess presence in drinking is responsible for methemoglobinemia?

Consuming too much nitrate can be harmful—especially for babies. Consuming too much nitrate can affect how blood carries oxygen and can cause methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome). Bottle-fed babies under six months old are at the highest risk of getting methemoglobinemia.

What food causes methemoglobinemia?

Oxidizing agents like nitrates and nitrites are commonly used in the food industry as a preservative for meat, fish and cheese which have been reported as a cause of methemoglobinemia and are a potential public health threat.

What is monday disease?

“Monday disease” Industrial workers who are exposed to nitrates during the work week develop a tolerance over the course of the week. No exposure during weekends leads to loss of tolerance. Reexposure on Monday causes dizziness, tachycardia, and headache.

Can Orajel cause methemoglobinemia?

Benzocaine, a local anesthetic, can cause a condition in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood is greatly reduced. This condition, called methemoglobinemia, can be life-threatening and result in death.

Can nitroglycerin cause methemoglobinemia?

— Nitrites and nitrates are well-recognized causes of acquired methemoglobinemia. Nitroglycerin has been reported to cause methemoglobinemia in animals. We report on a patient in whom we believe methemoglobinemia developed from an accidental overdose of nitroglycerin.

Is Orajel Safe?

According to the letter, benzocaine products marketed to adults—including Orajel, Anbesol, Cepacol, and Chloraseptic—are still considered safe, but need to contain two additional warnings: one telling users that the product shouldn't be used for children under two, or for teething, and another about the risks of ...

How is methemoglobinemia treated in g6pd?

Treatment for methemoglobinemia with intravenous methylene blue is recommended if the blood methemoglobin level is >20%–30%. However, in G6DP deficiency, treatment with methylene blue is contraindicated because the reduction of methemoglobin is NADPH dependent.

How does methylene blue treat methemoglobinemia?

Methylene blue is an effective antidote for methemoglobinemia due to its own oxidizing properties. It oxidizes NADPH, forming the reduced product leukometh- ylene blue. Leukomethylene blue in turn acts as a reducing agent converting me- themoglobin to hemoglobin and thus restoring oxygen carrying capacity.

Can novocaine cause methemoglobinemia?

Methemoglobinemia is a potentially severe complication of lidocaine and benzocaine, especially when used concomitantly. Among the acquired causes of methemoglobinemia, although caine-induced methemoglobinemia is rare, it may have a fatal outcome.