Drug Induced Methemoglobinemia ()
Abstract
The normal presentation of a patient
with a drug induced methemoglobinemia is a low pulse oximetry (SpO2)
reading, usually in the mid 80% range, while having a very high PaO2 on an arterial blood gas (ABG)1. We present a case where the initial ABG showed
a very high PaO2 and a metabolic alkalosis while the SpO2 fluctuated (85%- 99%). Those findings combined with
hemodynamic instability complicated the diagnosis and delayed optimal care.
Share and Cite:
M. Cobas, H. Olivera, G. Soto and T. Fuhrman, "Drug Induced Methemoglobinemia,"
Open Journal of Anesthesiology, Vol. 3 No. 3, 2013, pp. 140-142. doi:
10.4236/ojanes.2013.33032.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
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