Chronic methemoglobinemia: improving hemoglobin saturation monitoring during anesthesia.
Methemoglobin interferes with the accuracy of pulse oximetry data. Methemoglobinemia is caused by many factors, both congenital and acquired. However, the increasing usage of dapsone, which converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin, is increasing the number of patients with methemoglobinemia. We present the case of a patient with dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia who was successfully treated with methylene blue, which converts methemoglobin back to hemoglobin.
Sprung
J
J
Anesthesiology Service, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MD.
Bourke
D L
DL
Mackenzie
C F
CF
Thomas
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003622:Dapsone / Q000009:adverse effects; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage
D006454:Hemoglobins; D003622:Dapsone; D010100:Oxygen; D008751:Methylene Blue