the DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ACQUIRED METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: A REPORT OF TWO CASES
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ACQUIRED METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: A REPORT OF TWO CASES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59722/rmcu.v3i2.1189Keywords:
methemoglobinemia, cyanosis, herbicide, propanil, methylene blueAbstract
Methemoglobinemia is a form of hemoglobin with an inability to effectively transport oxygen due to the oxidation of heme iron from the ferrous state (Fe²⁺) to the ferric state (Fe³⁺). There are congenital and acquired forms, and the main clinical manifestation is usually cyanosis and decreased oxygen saturation (SaO₂), with no response to supplemental oxygen. This finding often raises suspicion of the condition, and once confirmed, the causal agent should be eliminated if identified. The use of enzyme inducers, such as methylene blue, should be considered based on the severity of the case.
We present two cases of 14-year-old female patients with herbicide ingestion and clinical symptoms compatible with biochemically confirmed methemoglobinemia.
Both cases highlight the severity of acquired methemoglobinemia due to oxidizing agents and emphasize the need for timely identification and management.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Alcibiades Arosemena, Sebastián Lara, Hectór Caballero, Priscila Morales Aleman
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