A Patient with Methemoglobinemia after Herbicide Intoxication has Hemolytic Anemia Induced by Methylene Blue.
- Author:
Sun Pyo KIM
1
;
Dong Hwan KIM
;
Kyung Hoon SUN
;
Dae Heung YOON
;
Seong Jung KIM
;
Soo Hyeong CHO
;
Nam Soo CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. chosooh@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Methemoglobin;
Methylene blue;
Hemolytic anemia
- MeSH:
Anemia, Hemolytic;
Eating;
Female;
Headache;
Hemoglobins;
Humans;
Hyperbilirubinemia;
Iron;
Jaundice;
Methemoglobin;
Methemoglobinemia;
Methylene Blue;
Middle Aged;
Mood Disorders;
Oxygen;
Propanil
- From:Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
2008;6(2):134-137
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Methylene blue is the first choice for treating methemoglobinemia, any increase in normal methemoglobin levels. Methemoglobin is an abnormal hemoglobin in which the iron has been oxidized to the ferric(+3) state, making it incapable of oxygen transport. Methemoglobinemia most commonly results from exposure to oxidizing chemicals, but may also arise form genetic, dietary, or even idiopathic etiologies. Patients with low methemoglobin levels are asymptomatic, but high methemoglobin levels can lead to headaches or even death. Methylene blue, the first-line treatment for methemoglobinemia, can also produce hemolytic anemia. Jaundice or dark urine during methylene blue treatment may indicate hemolytic anemia. A 47-year-old female patient with a history of depressive mood disorder developed significant methemoglobinemia after ingesting a Propanil overdose. Twenty-two hours after ingestion, methemoglobin levels in the blood were 73.2%. She was treated with intravenous methylene blue in the therapeutic range (1 mg/kg every 4 h for 3days). The 2nd day after methylene blue use, methemoglobin levels in the blood were 33%, and the 5th day decreased to 10% with better general condition. The patient had hyperbilirubinemia after hemolytic anemia, but she recovered completely.
