Abstract
Sulfhemoglobinemia (SulfHb) is a rare dyshemoglobinemia that can present with cyanosis in the absence of respiratory distress. It has been reported secondary to drug ingestion and chronic constipation. We present a case of SulfHb in an adolescent female with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder in the setting of an Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. An arterial blood gas differentiated a dyshemoglobinemia from other causes of hypoxemia. The resolution was achieved with antibiotics and red cell transfusion. Here we review the pathophysiology of SulfHb and contribute a unique case report to the limited body of literature on this topic.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Child
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Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
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Escherichia coli Infections / complications*
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Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology
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Escherichia coli Infections / pathology
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Female
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Humans
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Prognosis
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Spinal Dysraphism / complications*
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Spinal Dysraphism / microbiology
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Spinal Dysraphism / pathology
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Sulfhemoglobinemia / drug therapy
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Sulfhemoglobinemia / etiology*
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Sulfhemoglobinemia / pathology
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Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / complications*
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Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / microbiology
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Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / pathology
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Urinary Tract Infections / complications*
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Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology
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Urinary Tract Infections / pathology