Diseases

Congenital Methemoglobinemia (Methemoglobinemia)

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Methemoglobinemia (methb) is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount ofmethemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (rbcs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobin is A form of hemoglobin.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms associated with higher levels of methemoglobin are as follows: 3-15% - slight discoloration (eg, pale, gray, blue) of the skin. 15-20% -cyanosis, though patients may be relatively asymptomatic. 25-50% - headache, dyspnea,lightheadedness (even syncope), weakness,confusion, palpitations, chest pain.

CAUSES

This results in a major risk of methemoglobinemia caused by nitrates ingested in drinking water, dehydration (usually caused by gastroenteritis with diarrhea), sepsis, or topical anesthetics containing benzocaine or prilocaine.