A case of Dapsone Induced Methemoglobinemia

Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) being a rare cause of cyanosis is generally not considered in its differential diagnosis. Methemoglobinemia is an abnormal Hb produced physiologically by auto-oxidation. If this process of auto oxidation is impaired either due to genetic defect or due to exogenous drugs/ to...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Najia Mahmood, Mutti Ullah Khan, Ihtisham U. L. Haq, Farhat Afshan Jelani, Aayesha Tariq
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019-12-01
Series:Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40545-019-0185-y
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Summary:Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) being a rare cause of cyanosis is generally not considered in its differential diagnosis. Methemoglobinemia is an abnormal Hb produced physiologically by auto-oxidation. If this process of auto oxidation is impaired either due to genetic defect or due to exogenous drugs/ toxins, its level starts rising. Once it is > 3%, tissue hypoxia ensues. Here is a case of dapsone induced MetHb and is reported in a young girl with central cyanosis, and was treated successfully with methylene blue. Methemoglobinemia should be considered in differential diagnoses of cyanosed patient with normal ABGs, PaO2 and cardio-respiratory status. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
ISSN:2052-3211