title: Amyl nitrite induced acute haemolytic anaemia in HIV-antibody positive man.
abstract: Volatile nitrites (amyl and butyl) are popular recreational drugs, especially in the homosexual population. Haemolytic anaemia is a rare complication of nitrite inhalation and occurs when the reducing capacity of the red cell enzymes is overcome by the oxidizing effect of the nitrite. We describe here a patient with HIV infection who developed a profound haemolytic anaemia after repeated inhalation of large quantities of amyl nitrite.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Costello
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pourgourides
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Youle
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000680:Amyl Nitrite / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000680:Amyl Nitrite