Methemoglobinemia development after ingestion of a chinese herbal medicine: A case report.
10.3345/kjp.2009.52.3.385
- Author:
Se Eun HYUN
1
;
Pil Joo HWANG
;
Kyung Pil NAM
;
Eun Gyong YOO
;
Man Yong HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Pochon Medical College, Bundang CHA Hopital, Korea. drmesh@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Methemoglobinemia;
Nitrate;
Ammonia;
Chinese herbal medicines;
Children
- MeSH:
Ammonia;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Child;
Cyanosis;
Dyspnea;
Eating;
Emergencies;
Humans;
Infusions, Intravenous;
Methemoglobin;
Methemoglobinemia;
Methylene Blue
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatrics
2009;52(3):385-388
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
An 8-year-old girl visited the emergency room with perioral cyanosis and dyspnea, which had developed 20 hrs prior to the hospital visit. She had taken a Chinese herbal medication for 3 days prior to the onset of the symptoms. A co-oximeter examination revealed a methemoglobin level of 23.7%. An intravenous infusion of methylene blue was administered. Chemical analysis of the herbal medication revealed an ammonia (NH3) level of 239.41 mg/ L. More studies are needed on the correlation between methemoglobinemia and the components of Chinese herbal medicines.
