Nitrite-induced methaemoglobinaemia - aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.
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.
Chui
J S W
JS
Department of Intensive Care, Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory.
Poon
W T
WT
Chan
K C
KC
Chan
A Y W
AY
Buckley
T A
TA
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*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009566:Nitrates; C031618:sodium nitrate; D008706:Methemoglobin; D008751:Methylene Blue