Nitrite-induced methaemoglobinaemia - aetiology, diagnosis and treatment

Anaesthesia. 2005 May;60(5):496-500. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2004.04076.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / adverse effects*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medication Errors
  • Methemoglobin / metabolism
  • Methemoglobinemia / chemically induced*
  • Methemoglobinemia / diagnosis
  • Methemoglobinemia / drug therapy
  • Methylene Blue / therapeutic use
  • Nitrates / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Nitrates
  • sodium nitrate
  • Methemoglobin
  • Methylene Blue