How is methemoglobinemia caused?
Congenital methemoglobinemia is caused by a genetic defect that you inherit from your parents. This genetic defect leads to a deficiency of a certain enzyme, or protein. This protein is responsible for converting methemoglobin to hemoglobin.
What toxin causes methemoglobinemia?
Most cases of methemoglobinemia are, however, acquired rather than inborn. Exposure to certain oxidizing substances may lead to the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Known toxins that can cause methemoglobinemia include aniline dyes, nitrates or nitrites, and, importantly, many medications.
What is methemoglobinemia and how is it treated?
Methylene blue is used to treat severe cases of MetHb, and doctors may prescribe ascorbic acid to reduce the level of methemoglobin in the blood. In severe cases, a person may require a blood transfusion or exchange transfusion. Oxygen therapy will also be provided, if required.
How is methemoglobinemia diagnosed?
The diagnosis is confirmed by direct measurement of methemoglobin by a multiple wavelength co-oximeter. On a blood gas, normal PaO2 concentrations are usually found on analysis. Clinical cyanosis in the presence of normal arterial oxygen tensions is highly suggestive of methemoglobinemia.
What does methemoglobinemia do to the body?
Methemoglobinemia, or methaemoglobinaemia, is a condition of elevated methemoglobin in the blood. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, and blue-colored skin (cyanosis). Complications may include seizures and heart arrhythmias.
How does methemoglobinemia affect the body?
Autosomal recessive congenital methemoglobinemia is an inherited condition that mainly affects the function of red blood cells. Specifically, it alters a molecule within these cells called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to cells and tissues throughout the body.
How does benzocaine cause methemoglobinemia?
Methemoglobinemia occurs when hemoglobin (the protein in blood that carries oxygen) gets modified so that it can’t carry oxygen to the body as effectively. Because we all need oxygen to survive, methemoglobinemia is a potentially fatal disease. Any teething gel that contains benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia.
What does high methemoglobin mean?
Methemoglobinemia (High Methemoglobin Levels) Posted by. Methemoglobinemia (met-hemo-globin-emia) is a condition where the quantity of methemoglobin in the red blood cells is higher than normal. It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present from birth, but can develop in life due to exposure to certain toxins.
How common is methemoglobinemia?
Methemoglobinemia is a rare blood disorder in which an atypical form of hemoglobin, called methemoglobin, is produced in abnormal amounts. While most people have less than one percent of methemoglobin in their blood, people with methemoglobinemia may have up to 20 percent of this form of hemoglobin.