title: Severe methemoglobinemia due to insecticide poisoning.
abstract: Methemoglobinemia is an altered state of hemoglobin resulting in impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues. Deliberate ingestion of certain insecticides and pesticides may result in this condition. We report a case of severe methemoglobinemia after deliberate ingestion of an insecticide marketed to be safe and containing only biological extracts and fillers. Methemoglobinemia should be suspected with low oxygen saturation on pulse oxymetry and the presence of chocolate colored blood. The methemoglobin level of 91% in our patient is the highest level reported among methemoglobinemia survivors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine 4, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Tarun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine 4, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Atif I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Shaikh
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Intensive Care Unit, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Lovely
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine 4, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Abhilash P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Kundavaram
keywords: Biological extracts; insecticide; methemoglobinemia