title: Nitrite-induced methaemoglobinaemia - aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: A 41-year-old woman presented with the clinical features of methaemoglobinaemia after drinking Chinese herbal medicine. A life threatening methaemoglobin level of 68% was measured. Both clinical and laboratory diagnostic difficulties were encountered. The pitfalls of pulse oximeter, blood gas analysis and co-oximeter interpretation during diagnosis and after methylene blue administration are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care, Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory.
authors.forename: J S W
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Chui
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: A Y W
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Buckley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors; D008706:Methemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009566:Nitrates / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009566:Nitrates; C031618:sodium nitrate; D008706:Methemoglobin; D008751:Methylene Blue