Prolonged formation of methemoglobin following nitroethane ingestion.
BACKGROUND
Artificial nail removers containing nitroethane pose a serious risk of toxicity when ingested.


METHODS
We report 3 cases of children under 3 years of age who developed prolonged methemoglobinemia following ingestions of small quantities of these nitroethane-containing products. Methylene blue therapy reduced the methemoglobin level in all 3 children; however, in 2 of these children methemoglobin levels increased again several hours later and required additional methylene blue. Accurate substance identification is essential for appropriate management of ingestions of fingernail products. The availability of nitroethane products for home use should be questioned.
Maryland Poison Center, Baltimore 21201, USA. gshep@mpc.ab.umd.edu
G
G
Shepherd
J
J
Grover
W
W
Klein-Schwartz
D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004980:Ethane / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005260:Female; D006795:Household Products / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008706:Methemoglobin / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009595:Nitroparaffins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000931:Antidotes; D009595:Nitroparaffins; C014705:nitroethane; D008706:Methemoglobin; D004980:Ethane; D008751:Methylene Blue