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| caption = Chocolate-brown blood due to methemoglobinemia
| caption = Chocolate-brown blood due to methemoglobinemia
| field = [[Toxicology]], haematology
| field = [[Toxicology]], haematology
| synonyms = [[Hemoglobin M disease]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Methemoglobinemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia |url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000562.htm |website=medlineplus.gov |access-date=8 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
| synonyms = [[Hemoglobin M disease]],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Methemoglobinemia |encyclopedia=MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia |publisher=U.S. National Library of Medicine |url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000562.htm |access-date=8 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
| symptoms = Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, [[blue-colored skin]]<ref name=NCI2019/>
| symptoms = Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, [[blue-colored skin]]<ref name=NCI2019/>
| complications =
| complications =
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| duration =
| duration =
| types =
| types =
| causes = [[Benzocaine]], [[nitrates]], [[dapsone]], genetics<ref name=Stat2019/>
| causes = [[Benzocaine]], [[nitrites]], [[dapsone]], genetics<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
| risks =
| risks =
| diagnosis = [[Blood gas]]<ref name=Stat2019/>
| diagnosis = [[Blood gas]]<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
| differential = [[Argyria]], [[sulfhemoglobinemia]], [[heart failure]]<ref name=Stat2019/>
| differential = [[Argyria]], [[sulfhemoglobinemia]], [[heart failure]]<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
| prevention =
| prevention =
| treatment = [[Oxygen therapy]], [[methylene blue]]<ref name=Stat2019/>
| treatment = [[Oxygen therapy]], [[methylene blue]]<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
| medication =
| medication =
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment<ref name=Stat2019/>
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
| frequency = Relatively uncommon<ref name=Stat2019/>
| frequency = Relatively uncommon<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
| deaths =
| deaths =
}}
}}
<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
'''Methemoglobinemia''', or '''methaemoglobinaemia''', is a condition of elevated [[methemoglobin]] in the blood.<ref name=NCI2019>{{cite web |title=NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms |url=https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/methemoglobinemia |website=National Cancer Institute |access-date=21 December 2019 |language=en |date=2 February 2011}}</ref> Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, and [[blue-colored skin]] (cyanosis).<ref name=NCI2019/> Complications may include [[seizures]] and [[heart arrhythmias]].<ref name=Stat2019/><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Wettstein |first=Zachary S |last2=Yarid |first2=Nicole A |last3=Shah |first3=Sachita |date=2022 |title=Fatal methaemoglobinemia due to intentional sodium nitrite ingestion |url=https://casereports.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bcr-2022-252954 |journal=BMJ Case Reports |language=en |volume=15 |issue=12 |pages=e252954 |doi=10.1136/bcr-2022-252954 |issn=1757-790X |pmc=PMC9748921 |pmid=36524260}}</ref>
'''Methemoglobinemia''', or '''methaemoglobinaemia''', is a condition of elevated [[methemoglobin]] in the blood.<ref name="NCI2019">{{Cite web |date=2 February 2011 |title=NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms |url=https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/methemoglobinemia |access-date=21 December 2019 |website=National Cancer Institute |language=en}}</ref> Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, and [[blue-colored skin]] (cyanosis).<ref name=NCI2019/> Complications may include [[seizures]] and [[heart arrhythmias]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Wettstein ZS, Yarid NA, Shah S |date=December 2022 |title=Fatal methaemoglobinemia due to intentional sodium nitrite ingestion |journal=BMJ Case Reports |volume=15 |issue=12 |pages=e252954 |doi=10.1136/bcr-2022-252954 |pmc=9748921 |pmid=36524260 |pmc-embargo-date=December 13, 2024}}</ref>


<!-- Cause and diagnosis -->
<!-- Cause and diagnosis -->
Methemoglobinemia can be due to certain medications, chemicals, or food or it can be inherited.<ref name=NCI2019/> Substances involved may include [[benzocaine]], [[nitrites]], or [[dapsone]].<ref name=Stat2019/> The underlying mechanism involves some of the iron in [[hemoglobin]] being converted from the [[ferrous]] [Fe<sup>2+</sup>] to the [[ferric]] [Fe<sup>3+</sup>] form.<ref name=Stat2019>{{cite journal |last1=Ludlow |first1=JT |last2=Wilkerson |first2=RG |last3=Nappe |first3=TM |title=Methemoglobinemia |date=January 2019 |pmid=30726002}}</ref> The diagnosis is often suspected based on symptoms and a [[Hypoxia (medical)|low blood oxygen]] that does not improve with [[oxygen therapy]].<ref name=Stat2019/> Diagnosis is confirmed by a [[blood gas]].<ref name=Stat2019/>
Methemoglobinemia can be due to certain medications, chemicals, or food or it can be inherited.<ref name=NCI2019/> Substances involved may include [[benzocaine]], [[nitrites]], or [[dapsone]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /> The underlying mechanism involves some of the iron in [[hemoglobin]] being converted from the [[ferrous]] [Fe<sup>2+</sup>] to the [[ferric]] [Fe<sup>3+</sup>] form.<ref name="Ludlow_2019">{{Cite book |title=StatPearls [Internet]. |vauthors=Ludlow JT, Wilkerson RG, Nappe TM |date=January 2019 |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |location=Treasure Island (FL) |chapter=Methemoglobinemia |pmid=30726002}}</ref> The diagnosis is often suspected based on symptoms and a [[Hypoxia (medical)|low blood oxygen]] that does not improve with [[oxygen therapy]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /> Diagnosis is confirmed by a [[blood gas]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />


<!-- Treatment and epidemiology -->
<!-- Treatment and epidemiology -->
Treatment is generally with [[oxygen therapy]] and [[methylene blue]].<ref name=Stat2019/> Other treatments may include [[vitamin C]], [[exchange transfusion]], and [[hyperbaric oxygen therapy]].<ref name=Stat2019/> Outcomes are generally good with treatment.<ref name=Stat2019/> Methemoglobinemia is relatively uncommon, with most cases being acquired rather than genetic.<ref name=Stat2019/>
Treatment is generally with [[oxygen therapy]] and [[methylene blue]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /> Other treatments may include [[vitamin C]], [[exchange transfusion]], and [[hyperbaric oxygen therapy]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /> Outcomes are generally good with treatment.<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /> Methemoglobinemia is relatively uncommon, with most cases being acquired rather than genetic.<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
{{TOC limit}}
{{TOC limit}}


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[[File:ChocolateBrownBlood (cropped)2.jpg|thumb|Chocolate-brown blood due to methemoglobinemia]]
[[File:ChocolateBrownBlood (cropped)2.jpg|thumb|Chocolate-brown blood due to methemoglobinemia]]


Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin level above 10%) include shortness of breath, [[cyanosis]], mental status changes (~50%), headache, fatigue, [[exercise intolerance]], dizziness, and loss of consciousness.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lecturio.com/concepts/methemoglobinemia/| title= Methemoglobinemia|website=The Lecturio Medical Concept Library |access-date= 10 August 2021}}</ref>
Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin level above 10%) include shortness of breath, [[cyanosis]], mental status changes (~50%), headache, fatigue, [[exercise intolerance]], dizziness, and loss of consciousness.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Methemoglobinemia |url=https://www.lecturio.com/concepts/methemoglobinemia/ |access-date=10 August 2021 |website=The Lecturio Medical Concept Library |veditors=Oiseth S, Jones L, Maza E}}</ref>


People with severe methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin level above 50%) may exhibit [[seizure]]s, [[coma]], and death (level above 70%).<ref name=emedmed1466/> Healthy people may not have many symptoms with methemoglobin levels below 15%. However, people with co-morbidities such as [[anemia]], cardiovascular disease, lung disease, [[sepsis]], or who have abnormal hemoglobin species (e.g. [[carboxyhemoglobin]], [[sulfhemoglobinemia]] or [[sickle hemoglobin]]) may experience moderate to severe symptoms at much lower levels (as low as 5–8%).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
People with severe methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin level above 50%) may exhibit [[seizure]]s, [[coma]], and death (level above 70%).<ref name=emedmed1466/> Healthy people may not have many symptoms with methemoglobin levels below 15%. However, people with co-morbidities such as [[anemia]], cardiovascular disease, lung disease, [[sepsis]], or who have abnormal hemoglobin species (e.g. [[carboxyhemoglobin]], [[sulfhemoglobinemia]] or [[sickle hemoglobin]]) may experience moderate to severe symptoms at much lower levels (as low as 5–8%).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
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===Acquired===
===Acquired===
Methemoglobinemia may be acquired.<ref name="pmid15342970">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ash-Bernal R, Wise R, Wright SM |s2cid=40957843 |title=Acquired methemoglobinemia: a retrospective series of 138 cases at 2 teaching hospitals |journal=Medicine (Baltimore) |volume=83 |issue=5 |pages=265–273 |year=2004 |pmid=15342970 |doi= 10.1097/01.md.0000141096.00377.3f|doi-access=free }}</ref> Classical drug causes of methemoglobinaemia include various [[antibiotic]]s ([[trimethoprim]], [[sulfonamide (medicine)|sulfonamides]], and [[dapsone]]<ref name="pmid18090884">{{cite journal |vauthors=Zosel A, Rychter K, Leikin JB |title=Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia: case report and literature review |journal=Am J Ther |volume=14 |issue=6 |pages=585–587 |year=2007 |pmid=18090884 |doi=10.1097/MJT.0b013e3180a6af55 |s2cid=24412967 }}</ref>), [[local anesthetic]]s (especially [[articaine]], [[benzocaine]], [[prilocaine]],<ref name="pmid18037845">{{cite journal |vauthors=Adams V, Marley J, McCarroll C |title=Prilocaine induced methaemoglobinaemia in a medically compromised patient. Was this an inevitable consequence of the dose administered? |journal=Br Dent J |volume=203 |issue=10 |pages=585–587 |year=2007 |pmid=18037845 |doi=10.1038/bdj.2007.1045|doi-access=free }}</ref> and [[lidocaine]]<ref>{{cite journal|pmid=25637615|title=Lidocaine-induced methemoglobinemia: a clinical reminder|journal=J Am Osteopath Assoc|doi=10.7556/jaoa.2015.020|year=2015|volume=115|issue=2|vauthors=Barash M, Reich KA, Rademaker D |pages=94–8|doi-access=free}}</ref>), and [[aniline]] dyes, [[metoclopramide]], [[rasburicase]], [[umbellulone]], [[chlorate]]s, [[bromate]]s, and [[nitrite]]s.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1007/s10541-005-0139-7|pmid=15892615|title=Proposed mechanism of nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia|journal=Biochemistry (Mosc)|volume=70|issue=4|pages=473–83|year=2005|last1=Titov|first1=V Yu|last2=Petrenko|first2=Yu M|s2cid=22906218|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15892615/}}
Methemoglobinemia may be acquired.<ref name="pmid15342970">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Ash-Bernal R, Wise R, Wright SM |date=September 2004 |title=Acquired methemoglobinemia: a retrospective series of 138 cases at 2 teaching hospitals |journal=Medicine |volume=83 |issue=5 |pages=265–273 |doi=10.1097/01.md.0000141096.00377.3f |pmid=15342970 |s2cid=40957843 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Classical drug causes of methemoglobinemia include various [[antibiotic]]s ([[trimethoprim]], [[sulfonamide (medicine)|sulfonamides]], and [[dapsone]]<ref name="pmid18090884">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Zosel A, Rychter K, Leikin JB |year=2007 |title=Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia: case report and literature review |journal=American Journal of Therapeutics |volume=14 |issue=6 |pages=585–587 |doi=10.1097/MJT.0b013e3180a6af55 |pmid=18090884 |s2cid=24412967}}</ref>), [[local anesthetic]]s (especially [[articaine]], [[benzocaine]], [[prilocaine]],<ref name="pmid18037845">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Adams V, Marley J, McCarroll C |date=November 2007 |title=Prilocaine induced methaemoglobinaemia in a medically compromised patient. Was this an inevitable consequence of the dose administered? |journal=British Dental Journal |volume=203 |issue=10 |pages=585–587 |doi=10.1038/bdj.2007.1045 |pmid=18037845 |doi-access=free}}</ref> and [[lidocaine]]<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Barash M, Reich KA, Rademaker D |date=February 2015 |title=Lidocaine-induced methemoglobinemia: a clinical reminder |journal=The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association |volume=115 |issue=2 |pages=94–98 |doi=10.7556/jaoa.2015.020 |pmid=25637615 |doi-access=free}}</ref>), and [[aniline]] dyes, [[metoclopramide]], [[rasburicase]], [[umbellulone]], [[chlorate]]s, [[bromate]]s, and [[nitrite]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Titov VY, Petrenko YM |date=April 2005 |title=Proposed mechanism of nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia |journal=Biochemistry. Biokhimiia |volume=70 |issue=4 |pages=473–483 |doi=10.1007/s10541-005-0139-7 |pmid=15892615 |s2cid=22906218}}</ref> Nitrates are suspected to cause methemoglobinemia.<ref>{{Cite journal |display-authors=6 |vauthors=Powlson DS, Addiscott TM, Benjamin N, Cassman KG, de Kok TM, van Grinsven H, L'Hirondel JL, Avery AA, van Kessel C |year=2008 |title=When does nitrate become a risk for humans? |url=https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/agronomyfacpub/102 |journal=Journal of Environmental Quality |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=291–295 |bibcode=2008JEnvQ..37..291P |doi=10.2134/jeq2007.0177 |pmid=18268290 |s2cid=14097832}}</ref>
</ref> Nitrates are suspected to cause methemoglobinemia.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2134/jeq2007.0177|pmid=18268290|title=When Does Nitrate Become a Risk for Humans?|journal=Journal of Environmental Quality|volume=37|issue=2|pages=291–5|year=2008|last1=Powlson|first1=David S.|last2=Addiscott|first2=Tom M.|last3=Benjamin|first3=Nigel|last4=Cassman|first4=Ken G.|last5=De Kok|first5=Theo M.|last6=Van Grinsven|first6=Hans|last7=l'Hirondel|first7=Jean-Louis|last8=Avery|first8=Alex A.|last9=Van Kessel|first9=Chris|s2cid=14097832 |url=http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1102&context=agronomyfacpub}}
</ref>


In otherwise healthy individuals, the protective enzyme systems normally present in red blood cells rapidly reduce the methemoglobin back to hemoglobin and hence maintain methemoglobin levels at less than one percent of the total hemoglobin concentration. Exposure to exogenous oxidizing drugs and their metabolites (such as benzocaine, dapsone, and nitrates) may lead to an increase of up to a thousandfold of the methemoglobin formation rate, overwhelming the protective enzyme systems and acutely increasing methemoglobin levels.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
In otherwise healthy individuals, the protective enzyme systems normally present in red blood cells rapidly reduce the methemoglobin back to hemoglobin and hence maintain methemoglobin levels at less than one percent of the total hemoglobin concentration. Exposure to exogenous oxidizing drugs and their metabolites (such as benzocaine, dapsone, and nitrates) may lead to an increase of up to a thousandfold of the methemoglobin formation rate, overwhelming the protective enzyme systems and acutely increasing methemoglobin levels.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


Infants under 6 months of age have lower levels of a key methemoglobin reduction enzyme ([[cytochrome b5 reductase|NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase]]) in their red blood cells. This results in a major risk of methemoglobinemia caused by nitrates ingested in drinking water,<ref name=epa>{{cite web|title=Basic Information about Nitrate in Drinking Water|url=http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/nitrate.cfm|work=United States Environmental Protection Agency|access-date=10 May 2013}}</ref> dehydration (usually caused by gastroenteritis with diarrhea), sepsis, or topical anesthetics containing benzocaine or prilocaine resulting in [[blue baby syndrome]]. Nitrates used in agricultural fertilizers may leak into the ground and may contaminate well water. The current EPA standard of 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water is specifically set to protect infants.<ref name="epa" /> [[Benzocaine]] applied to the gums or throat (as commonly used in baby [[teething]] gels, or sore [[throat lozenge]]s) can cause methemoglobinemia.<ref name=fda>{{cite web|title=FDA Drug Safety Communication: Reports of a rare, but serious and potentially fatal adverse effect with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth|url=https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm250024.htm|work=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|access-date=10 May 2013|date=7 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm608265.htm|title=Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics|website=U.S. FDA|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=May 24, 2018}}</ref>
Infants under 6 months of age have lower levels of a key methemoglobin reduction enzyme ([[cytochrome b5 reductase|NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase]]) in their red blood cells. This results in a major risk of methemoglobinemia caused by nitrates ingested in drinking water,<ref name="epa">{{Cite web |title=Basic Information about Nitrate in Drinking Water |url=http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/nitrate.cfm |access-date=10 May 2013 |website=United States Environmental Protection Agency}}</ref> dehydration (usually caused by gastroenteritis with diarrhea), sepsis, or topical anesthetics containing benzocaine or prilocaine resulting in [[blue baby syndrome]]. Nitrates used in agricultural fertilizers may leak into the ground and may contaminate well water. The current EPA standard of 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water is specifically set to protect infants.<ref name="epa" /> [[Benzocaine]] applied to the gums or throat (as commonly used in baby [[teething]] gels, or sore [[throat lozenge]]s) can cause methemoglobinemia.<ref name="fda">{{Cite web |date=7 April 2011 |title=FDA Drug Safety Communication: Reports of a rare, but serious and potentially fatal adverse effect with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth |url=https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm250024.htm |access-date=10 May 2013 |website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2018 |title=Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics |url=https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm608265.htm |access-date=May 24, 2018 |website=U.S. FDA}}</ref>


===Genetic===
===Genetic===
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Another cause of congenital methemoglobinemia is seen in patients with abnormal hemoglobin variants such as [[Hemoglobin M disease|hemoglobin M]] (HbM), or [[Hemoglobin h|hemoglobin H (HbH)]], which are not amenable to [[redox|reduction]] despite intact enzyme systems.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Another cause of congenital methemoglobinemia is seen in patients with abnormal hemoglobin variants such as [[Hemoglobin M disease|hemoglobin M]] (HbM), or [[Hemoglobin h|hemoglobin H (HbH)]], which are not amenable to [[redox|reduction]] despite intact enzyme systems.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


Methemoglobinemia can also arise in patients with [[pyruvate kinase deficiency]] due to impaired production of [[NADH]] &nbsp;– the essential cofactor for diaphorase I. Similarly, patients with [[glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency]] may have impaired production of another co-factor, [[NADPH]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lecturio.com/concepts/glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-g6pd-deficiency/| title=Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency|website=The Lecturio Medical Concept Library | date=3 September 2020|access-date= 23 July 2021}}</ref>
Methemoglobinemia can also arise in patients with [[pyruvate kinase deficiency]] due to impaired production of [[NADH]] &nbsp;– the essential cofactor for diaphorase I. Similarly, patients with [[glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency]] may have impaired production of another co-factor, [[NADPH]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2020 |title=Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency |url=https://www.lecturio.com/concepts/glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-g6pd-deficiency/ |access-date=23 July 2021 |website=The Lecturio Medical Concept Library |veditors=Oiseth S, Jones L, Maza E}}</ref>


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
The affinity for oxygen of ferric iron is impaired. The binding of oxygen to methemoglobin results in an ''increased'' affinity for oxygen in the remaining heme sites that are in ferrous state within the same tetrameric hemoglobin unit.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Darling|first1=AU|last2=Roughton|first2=R|title=The effect of methemoglobin on the equilibrium between oxygen and hemoglobin|journal=Am J Physiol|date=1942|volume=137|page=56|doi=10.1152/ajplegacy.1942.137.1.56}}</ref> This leads to an overall reduced ability of the red blood cell to release oxygen to tissues, with the associated [[oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve|oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve]] therefore shifted to the left. When methemoglobin concentration is elevated in [[red blood cells]], [[tissue hypoxia]] may occur.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1002/ajh.20738|pmid=16986127|title=Methemoglobin—It's not just blue: A concise review|journal=American Journal of Hematology|volume=82|issue=2|pages=134–144|year=2007|last1=Umbreit|first1=Jay|s2cid=29107446|doi-access=}}</ref>
The affinity for oxygen of ferric iron is impaired. The binding of oxygen to methemoglobin results in an ''increased'' affinity for oxygen in the remaining heme sites that are in ferrous state within the same tetrameric hemoglobin unit.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Darling RC, Roughton FJ |date=1942 |title=The effect of methemoglobin on the equilibrium between oxygen and hemoglobin |journal=Am J Physiol |volume=137 |page=56 |doi=10.1152/ajplegacy.1942.137.1.56}}</ref> This leads to an overall reduced ability of the red blood cell to release oxygen to tissues, with the associated [[oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve|oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve]] therefore shifted to the left. When methemoglobin concentration is elevated in [[red blood cells]], [[tissue hypoxia]] may occur.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Umbreit J |date=February 2007 |title=Methemoglobin--it's not just blue: a concise review |journal=American Journal of Hematology |volume=82 |issue=2 |pages=134–144 |doi=10.1002/ajh.20738 |pmid=16986127 |s2cid=29107446}}</ref>


Normally, methemoglobin levels are <1%, as measured by the [[CO-oximeter|CO-oximetry test]]. Elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood are caused when the mechanisms that defend against [[oxidative stress]] within the red blood cell are overwhelmed and the oxygen carrying [[ferrous|ferrous ion (Fe<sup>2+</sup>)]] of the [[heme]] group of the hemoglobin molecule is oxidized to the [[ferric|ferric state (Fe<sup>3+</sup>)]]. This converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin, resulting in a reduced ability to release oxygen to tissues and thereby hypoxia. This can give the blood a bluish or chocolate-brown color. Spontaneously formed methemoglobin is normally reduced (regenerating normal hemoglobin) by protective enzyme systems, e.g., NADH methemoglobin reductase ([[cytochrome-b5 reductase]]) (major pathway), NADPH methemoglobin reductase (minor pathway) and to a lesser extent the ascorbic acid and glutathione enzyme systems. Disruptions with these enzyme systems lead to methemoglobinemia. Hypoxia occurs due to the decreased oxygen-binding capacity of methemoglobin, as well as the increased oxygen-binding affinity of other subunits in the same hemoglobin molecule, which prevents them from releasing oxygen at normal tissue oxygen levels.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Normally, methemoglobin levels are <1%, as measured by the [[CO-oximeter|CO-oximetry test]]. Elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood are caused when the mechanisms that defend against [[oxidative stress]] within the red blood cell are overwhelmed and the oxygen carrying [[ferrous|ferrous ion (Fe<sup>2+</sup>)]] of the [[heme]] group of the hemoglobin molecule is oxidized to the [[ferric|ferric state (Fe<sup>3+</sup>)]]. This converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin, resulting in a reduced ability to release oxygen to tissues and thereby hypoxia. This can give the blood a bluish or chocolate-brown color. Spontaneously formed methemoglobin is normally reduced (regenerating normal hemoglobin) by protective enzyme systems, e.g., NADH methemoglobin reductase ([[cytochrome-b5 reductase]]) (major pathway), NADPH methemoglobin reductase (minor pathway) and to a lesser extent the ascorbic acid and glutathione enzyme systems. Disruptions with these enzyme systems lead to methemoglobinemia. Hypoxia occurs due to the decreased oxygen-binding capacity of methemoglobin, as well as the increased oxygen-binding affinity of other subunits in the same hemoglobin molecule, which prevents them from releasing oxygen at normal tissue oxygen levels.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
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==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
[[File:MethemoglobinDiag.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.6|Color chart for the detection of the amount of methemoglobin in the blood]]
[[File:MethemoglobinDiag.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.6|Color chart for the detection of the amount of methemoglobin in the blood]]
The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia is made with the typical symptoms, a suggestive history, low oxygen saturation on [[pulse oximetry]] measurements (SpO2) and these symptoms (cyanosis and hypoxia) failing to improve on oxygen treatment. The definitive test would be obtaining either [[CO-oximeter]] or a methemoglobin level on an [[arterial blood gas test]].<ref name="ludlow">{{Cite book |last1=Ludlow |first1=John T. |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537317/ |title=Methemoglobinemia |last2=Wilkerson |first2=Richard G. |last3=Nappe |first3=Thomas M. |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |year=2022 |location=Treasure Island (FL) |pmid=30726002}}</ref>
The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia is made with the typical symptoms, a suggestive history, low oxygen saturation on [[pulse oximetry]] measurements (SpO2) and these symptoms (cyanosis and hypoxia) failing to improve on oxygen treatment. The definitive test would be obtaining either [[CO-oximeter]] or a methemoglobin level on an [[arterial blood gas test]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
Arterial blood with an elevated methemoglobin level has a characteristic chocolate-brown color as compared to normal bright red oxygen-containing arterial blood; the color can be compared with reference charts.<ref name=emedmed1466>{{cite web|title = eMedicine&nbsp;— Methemoglobinemia|url=http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1466.htm|access-date = 2008-09-13}}</ref>
Arterial blood with an elevated methemoglobin level has a characteristic chocolate-brown color as compared to normal bright red oxygen-containing arterial blood; the color can be compared with reference charts.<ref name="emedmed1466">{{Cite web |date=7 December 2023 |title=Methemoglobinemia |url=http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1466.htm |access-date=2008-09-13 |website=eMedicine |vauthors=Khanapara DB, Sacher RA, Kumar MDenshaw-Burke M, Savior DC, Curran AL, DelGiacco E, Abouelezz KF |veditors=Besa EC}}</ref>


The SaO2 calculation in the arterial blood gas analysis is falsely normal, as it is calculated under the premise of hemoglobin either being [[oxyhemoglobin]] or [[deoxyhemoglobin]]. However, co-oximetry can [[speciate|distinguish]] the methemoglobin concentration and percentage of hemoglobin.<ref name="ludlow"/>
The SaO2 calculation in the arterial blood gas analysis is falsely normal, as it is calculated under the premise of hemoglobin either being [[oxyhemoglobin]] or [[deoxyhemoglobin]]. However, co-oximetry can [[speciate|distinguish]] the methemoglobin concentration and percentage of hemoglobin.<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />
At the same time, the SpO2 concentration as measured by pulse ox is false high, because methemoglobin absorbs the pulse ox light at the 2 wavelengths it uses to calculate the ratio of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. For example with a methemoglobin level of 30–35%, this ratio of light absorbance is 1.0, which translates into a false high SpO2 of 85%.<ref name="ludlow"/>
At the same time, the SpO2 concentration as measured by pulse ox is false high, because methemoglobin absorbs the pulse ox light at the 2 wavelengths it uses to calculate the ratio of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. For example with a methemoglobin level of 30–35%, this ratio of light absorbance is 1.0, which translates into a false high SpO2 of 85%.<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />


===Differential diagnosis===
===Differential diagnosis===
Other conditions that can cause bluish skin include [[argyria]], [[sulfhemoglobinemia]], [[heart failure]],<ref name=Stat2019/> [[amiodarone]]-induced bluish skin pigmentation and [[acrodermatitis enteropathica]].<ref name=ludlow/>
Other conditions that can cause bluish skin include [[argyria]], [[sulfhemoglobinemia]], [[heart failure]],<ref name="Ludlow_2019" /> [[amiodarone]]-induced bluish skin pigmentation and [[acrodermatitis enteropathica]].<ref name="Ludlow_2019" />


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
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[[File:Eplasty16ic18 fig3.jpg|thumb|Resolved after methylene blue]]
[[File:Eplasty16ic18 fig3.jpg|thumb|Resolved after methylene blue]]


Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and [[methylene blue]].<ref name="pmid17572332">{{cite journal |vauthors=Yusim Y, Livingstone D, Sidi A |title=Blue dyes, blue people: the systemic effects of blue dyes when administered via different routes |journal=J Clin Anesth |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=315–321 |year=2007 |pmid=17572332 |doi=10.1016/j.jclinane.2007.01.006 }}</ref> Methylene blue is given as a 1% solution (10&nbsp;mg/ml) 1 to 2&nbsp;mg/kg administered intravenously slowly over five minutes. Although the response is usually rapid, the dose may be repeated in one hour if the level of methemoglobin is still high one hour after the initial infusion. Methylene blue inhibits [[monoamine oxidase]], and [[serotonin]] toxicity can occur if taken with an SSRI ([[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]) medicine.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Gillman PK | year = 2006 | title = Methylene blue implicated in potentially fatal serotonin toxicity | journal = Anaesthesia | volume = 61 | issue = 10| pages = 1013–4 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2006.04808.x | pmid = 16978328 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and [[methylene blue]].<ref name="pmid17572332">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Yusim Y, Livingstone D, Sidi A |date=June 2007 |title=Blue dyes, blue people: the systemic effects of blue dyes when administered via different routes |journal=Journal of Clinical Anesthesia |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=315–321 |doi=10.1016/j.jclinane.2007.01.006 |pmid=17572332}}</ref> Methylene blue is given as a 1% solution (10&nbsp;mg/ml) 1 to 2&nbsp;mg/kg administered intravenously slowly over five minutes. Although the response is usually rapid, the dose may be repeated in one hour if the level of methemoglobin is still high one hour after the initial infusion. Methylene blue inhibits [[monoamine oxidase]], and [[serotonin]] toxicity can occur if taken with an SSRI ([[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]) medicine.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Gillman PK |date=October 2006 |title=Methylene blue implicated in potentially fatal serotonin toxicity |journal=Anaesthesia |volume=61 |issue=10 |pages=1013–1014 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2044.2006.04808.x |pmid=16978328 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


Methylene blue restores the iron in hemoglobin to its normal ([[redox|reduced]]) oxygen-carrying state.<ref name=":0" /> This is achieved by providing an artificial electron acceptor (such as methylene blue or flavin) for NADPH [[methemoglobin reductase]] (RBCs usually don't have one; the presence of methylene blue allows the enzyme to function at 5× normal levels).<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Yubisui T, Takeshita M, Yoneyama Y | date = Jun 1980 | title = Reduction of methemoglobin through flavin at the physiological concentration by NADPH-flavin reductase of human erythrocytes | journal = J Biochem | volume = 87 | issue = 6| pages = 1715–20 | pmid = 7400118 | doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.jbchem.a132915}}</ref> The NADPH is generated via the [[hexose monophosphate shunt]].
Methylene blue restores the iron in hemoglobin to its normal ([[redox|reduced]]) oxygen-carrying state.<ref name=":0" /> This is achieved by providing an artificial electron acceptor (such as methylene blue or flavin) for NADPH [[methemoglobin reductase]] (RBCs usually don't have one; the presence of methylene blue allows the enzyme to function at 5× normal levels).<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Yubisui T, Takeshita M, Yoneyama Y |date=June 1980 |title=Reduction of methemoglobin through flavin at the physiological concentration by NADPH-flavin reductase of human erythrocytes |journal=Journal of Biochemistry |volume=87 |issue=6 |pages=1715–1720 |doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.jbchem.a132915 |pmid=7400118}}</ref> The NADPH is generated via the [[hexose monophosphate shunt]].


Genetically induced chronic low-level methemoglobinemia may be treated with oral methylene blue daily. Also, [[vitamin C]] can occasionally reduce cyanosis associated with chronic methemoglobinemia, and may be helpful in settings in which methylene blue is unavailable or contraindicated (e.g., in an individual with G6PD deficiency).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-methemoglobinemia|title=UpToDate}}</ref> Diaphorase (cytochrome b5 reductase) normally contributes only a small percentage of the red blood cell's reducing capacity, but can be pharmacologically activated by exogenous cofactors (such as methylene blue) to five times its normal level of activity.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
Genetically induced chronic low-level methemoglobinemia may be treated with oral methylene blue daily. Also, [[vitamin C]] can occasionally reduce cyanosis associated with chronic methemoglobinemia, and may be helpful in settings in which methylene blue is unavailable or contraindicated (e.g., in an individual with G6PD deficiency).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Methemoglobinemia |url=https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-methemoglobinemia |website=UpToDate |vauthors=Prchal JT |veditors=Burns MM, Takemoto CM}}</ref> Diaphorase (cytochrome b5 reductase) normally contributes only a small percentage of the red blood cell's reducing capacity, but can be pharmacologically activated by exogenous cofactors (such as methylene blue) to five times its normal level of activity.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}


==Epidemiology==
==Epidemiology==
Methemoglobinemia mostly affects infants under 6 months of age (particularly those under 4 months) due to low hepatic production of [[Cytochrome b5 reductase|methemoglobin reductase]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Richard|first1=Alyce M.|last2=Diaz|first2=James H.|last3=Kaye|first3=Alan David|title=Reexamining the Risks of Drinking-Water Nitrates on Public Health|pmc=4171798|journal=The Ochsner Journal|pages=392–398|date=1 January 2014 |pmid=25249806|volume=14|issue=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nitrates and drinking water|url=http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/info/nitrate-nitrite.php|website=www.bfhd.wa.gov|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> The most at-risk populations are those with water sources high in [[nitrates]], such as wells and other water that is not monitored or treated by a water treatment facility. The nitrates can be hazardous to the infants.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Manassaram|first1=Deana M.|last2=Backer|first2=Lorraine C.|last3=Moll|first3=Deborah M.|title=A review of nitrates in drinking water: maternal exposure and adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes|journal=Ciência & Saúde Coletiva|volume=12|issue=3|pages=153–163|doi=10.1590/S1413-81232007000100018|date=1 March 2007|pmid=17680066|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Fan|first1=Anna M|last2=Steinberg|first2=Valerie E|title=Health implications of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water: An update on methemoglobinemia occurrence and reproductive and developmental toxicity|journal=[[Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology]]|date=May 27, 1995|volume=23|issue=1 Pt 1|pages=35–43|doi=10.1006/rtph.1996.0006|pmid=8628918}}</ref> The link between blue baby syndrome in infants and high nitrate levels is well established for waters exceeding the normal limit of 10&nbsp;mg/L.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/nitratenitrite2ndadd.pdf|title=Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking-Water|date=2011|website=www.who.int|publisher=WHO Press|access-date=December 10, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants|title=Table of Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants|last=EPA, OW|first=US|website=www.epa.gov|date=30 November 2015|language=en|access-date=2016-12-12}}</ref> However, there is also evidence that breastfeeding is protective in exposed populations.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Pollock|first=J|year=1994|title=Long term associations with infant feeding in a clinically advantaged population of babies|journal=Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology|volume=36|issue=5|pages=429–440|doi=10.1111/j.1469-8749.1994.tb11869.x|pmid=8168662|s2cid=41483123}}</ref>
Methemoglobinemia mostly affects infants under 6 months of age (particularly those under 4 months) due to low hepatic production of [[Cytochrome b5 reductase|methemoglobin reductase]].<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Richard AM, Diaz JH, Kaye AD |date=1 January 2014 |title=Reexamining the risks of drinking-water nitrates on public health |journal=Ochsner Journal |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=392–398 |pmc=4171798 |pmid=25249806}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nitrates and drinking water |url=http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/info/nitrate-nitrite.php |access-date=10 December 2016 |website=www.bfhd.wa.gov}}</ref> The most at-risk populations are those with water sources high in [[nitrates]], such as wells and other water that is not monitored or treated by a water treatment facility. The nitrates can be hazardous to the infants.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Manassaram DM, Backer LC, Moll DM |date=1 March 2007 |title=A review of nitrates in drinking water: maternal exposure and adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes |journal=Ciencia & Saude Coletiva |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=153–163 |doi=10.1590/S1413-81232007000100018 |pmc=1392223 |pmid=17680066 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Fan AM, Steinberg VE |date=February 1996 |title=Health implications of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water: an update on methemoglobinemia occurrence and reproductive and developmental toxicity |journal=Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology |volume=23 |issue=1 Pt 1 |pages=35–43 |doi=10.1006/rtph.1996.0006 |pmid=8628918}}</ref> The link between blue baby syndrome in infants and high nitrate levels is well established for waters exceeding the normal limit of 10&nbsp;mg/L.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking-Water |url=https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/nitratenitrite2ndadd.pdf |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=www.who.int |publisher=WHO Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2015 |title=Table of Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants |url=https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants |access-date=2016-12-12 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}}</ref> However, there is also evidence that breastfeeding is protective in exposed populations.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Pollock JI |date=May 1994 |title=Long-term associations with infant feeding in a clinically advantaged population of babies |journal=Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology |volume=36 |issue=5 |pages=429–440 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-8749.1994.tb11869.x |pmid=8168662 |s2cid=41483123}}</ref>


==Society and culture==
==Society and culture==
Line 92: Line 90:
===Blue Fugates===
===Blue Fugates===
{{main|Blue Fugates}}
{{main|Blue Fugates}}
The Fugates, a family that lived in the hills of Kentucky, had the hereditary form. They are known as the "Blue Fugates".<ref>{{cite web|title=Blue-skinned family baffled science for 150 years |url=http://now.msn.com/blue-skinned-family-baffled-science-for-150-years |work=MSN |access-date=10 May 2013 |date=24 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122055829/http://now.msn.com/blue-skinned-family-baffled-science-for-150-years |archive-date=22 January 2013 }}</ref> Martin Fugate and Elizabeth Smith, who had married and settled near [[Hazard, Kentucky]], around 1800, were both carriers of the [[recessive gene|recessive]] methemoglobinemia (met-H) gene, as was a nearby clan with whom the Fugates descendants intermarried. As a result, many descendants of the Fugates were born with met-H.<ref>''Straight Dope'' [http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a980724.html article on the Fugates of Appalachia, an extended family of blue-skinned people]</ref><ref>''Tri City Herald, November 7, 1974, p.32'' [https://archive.today/20120713170159/http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1951&dat=19741107&id=vAsuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QYgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=798,1986312 Newspaper reports on the Blue Fugates]</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Health/blue-skinned-people-kentucky-reveal-todays-genetic-lesson/story?id=15759819/ Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX2CjlLvFU8 Martin Fuqatenin nəsli: genetik problemə görə dünyaya gələn mavi uşaqlar&nbsp;— Mavi Fuqatelər]</ref>
The Fugates, a family that lived in the hills of [[Kentucky]] in the US, had the hereditary form. They are known as the "Blue Fugates".<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 February 2012 |title=Blue-skinned family baffled science for 150 years |url=http://now.msn.com/blue-skinned-family-baffled-science-for-150-years |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122055829/http://now.msn.com/blue-skinned-family-baffled-science-for-150-years |archive-date=22 January 2013 |access-date=10 May 2013 |website=MSN}}</ref> Martin Fugate and Elizabeth Smith, who had married and settled near [[Hazard, Kentucky]], around 1800, were both carriers of the [[recessive gene|recessive]] methemoglobinemia (met-H) gene, as was a nearby clan with whom the Fugates descendants intermarried. As a result, many descendants of the Fugates were born with met-H.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 1998 |title=Is there really a race of blue people? |url=http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a980724.html |website=Straight Dope |vauthors=Adams C}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 1974 |title=Appalachia's Blue People |url=https://archive.today/20120713170159/http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1951&dat=19741107&id=vAsuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QYgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=798,1986312 |website=Tri City Herald |page=32}}</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Health/blue-skinned-people-kentucky-reveal-todays-genetic-lesson/story?id=15759819/ Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Fuqatenin nəsli: genetik problemə görə dünyaya gələn mavi uşaqlar&nbsp;— Mavi Fuqatelər |trans-title=Generation of Martin Fugaten: Blue Children born according to genetic problem - blue fuqates |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX2CjlLvFU8 |website=YouTube |language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>


===Blue Men of Lurgan===
===Blue Men of Lurgan===
The "blue men of [[Lurgan]]" were a pair of Lurgan men suffering from what was described as "familial [[idiopathic]] methemoglobinemia" who were treated by Dr. [[James Deeny]] in 1942. Deeny, who would later become the Chief Medical Officer of the [[Republic of Ireland]], prescribed a course of [[ascorbic acid]] and [[sodium bicarbonate]]. In case one, by the eighth day of treatments, there was a marked change in appearance, and by the twelfth day of treatment, the patient's complexion was normal. In case two, the patient's complexion reached normality over a month-long duration of treatment.<ref>{{cite book |author=Deeny, James |title=The End of an Epidemic |publisher=A.& A.Farmar |location=Dublin |year= 1995|isbn=978-1-899047-06-2 }}</ref>
The "blue men of Lurgan" were a pair of [[Lurgan]] men suffering from what was described as "familial [[idiopathic]] methemoglobinemia" who were treated by [[James Deeny]] in 1942. Deeny, who would later become the Chief Medical Officer of the [[Republic of Ireland]], prescribed a course of [[ascorbic acid]] and [[sodium bicarbonate]]. In case one, by the eighth day of treatments, there was a marked change in appearance, and by the twelfth day of treatment, the patient's complexion was normal. In case two, the patient's complexion reached normality over a month-long duration of treatment.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The End of an Epidemic |vauthors=Deeny J |publisher=A.& A.Farmar |year=1995 |isbn=978-1-899047-06-2 |location=Dublin}}</ref>


==See also==
== See also ==
* [[Carbon monoxide poisoning]]
* [[Carbon monoxide poisoning]]
* [[Hemoglobinemia]]
* [[Hemoglobinemia]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{cite web|title=Cinical & Interpretive, TEST ID: MEV1, Methemoglobinemia Evaluation, Blood|website=Test Catalog, Mayo Clinic Laboratories|url=https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/607495#Clinical-and-Interpretive}}
* {{Cite web |title=Cinical & Interpretive, TEST ID: MEV1, Methemoglobinemia Evaluation, Blood |url=https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/607495#Clinical-and-Interpretive |website=Test Catalog, Mayo Clinic Laboratories}}
* [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24115-methemoglobinemia Cleveland Clinic]
* [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24115-methemoglobinemia Cleveland Clinic]


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| eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|emerg|313}} {{eMedicine2|ped|1432}}
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Latest revision as of 15:37, 27 October 2024

Not to be confused with Argyria.
Methemoglobinemia
Other namesHemoglobin M disease,[1]
Chocolate-brown blood due to methemoglobinemia
SpecialtyToxicology, haematology
SymptomsHeadache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, blue-colored skin[2]
CausesBenzocaine, nitrites, dapsone, genetics[3]
Diagnostic methodBlood gas[3]
Differential diagnosisArgyria, sulfhemoglobinemia, heart failure[3]
TreatmentOxygen therapy, methylene blue[3]
PrognosisGenerally good with treatment[3]
FrequencyRelatively uncommon[3]

Methemoglobinemia, or methaemoglobinaemia, is a condition of elevated methemoglobin in the blood.[2] Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, poor muscle coordination, and blue-colored skin (cyanosis).[2] Complications may include seizures and heart arrhythmias.[3][4]

Methemoglobinemia can be due to certain medications, chemicals, or food or it can be inherited.[2] Substances involved may include benzocaine, nitrites, or dapsone.[3] The underlying mechanism involves some of the iron in hemoglobin being converted from the ferrous [Fe2+] to the ferric [Fe3+] form.[3] The diagnosis is often suspected based on symptoms and a low blood oxygen that does not improve with oxygen therapy.[3] Diagnosis is confirmed by a blood gas.[3]

Treatment is generally with oxygen therapy and methylene blue.[3] Other treatments may include vitamin C, exchange transfusion, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.[3] Outcomes are generally good with treatment.[3] Methemoglobinemia is relatively uncommon, with most cases being acquired rather than genetic.[3]

Signs and symptoms

[edit]
Chocolate-brown blood due to methemoglobinemia

Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin level above 10%) include shortness of breath, cyanosis, mental status changes (~50%), headache, fatigue, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.[5]

People with severe methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin level above 50%) may exhibit seizures, coma, and death (level above 70%).[6] Healthy people may not have many symptoms with methemoglobin levels below 15%. However, people with co-morbidities such as anemia, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, sepsis, or who have abnormal hemoglobin species (e.g. carboxyhemoglobin, sulfhemoglobinemia or sickle hemoglobin) may experience moderate to severe symptoms at much lower levels (as low as 5–8%).[citation needed]

Cause

[edit]

Acquired

[edit]

Methemoglobinemia may be acquired.[7] Classical drug causes of methemoglobinemia include various antibiotics (trimethoprim, sulfonamides, and dapsone[8]), local anesthetics (especially articaine, benzocaine, prilocaine,[9] and lidocaine[10]), and aniline dyes, metoclopramide, rasburicase, umbellulone, chlorates, bromates, and nitrites.[11] Nitrates are suspected to cause methemoglobinemia.[12]

In otherwise healthy individuals, the protective enzyme systems normally present in red blood cells rapidly reduce the methemoglobin back to hemoglobin and hence maintain methemoglobin levels at less than one percent of the total hemoglobin concentration. Exposure to exogenous oxidizing drugs and their metabolites (such as benzocaine, dapsone, and nitrates) may lead to an increase of up to a thousandfold of the methemoglobin formation rate, overwhelming the protective enzyme systems and acutely increasing methemoglobin levels.[citation needed]

Infants under 6 months of age have lower levels of a key methemoglobin reduction enzyme (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase) in their red blood cells. This results in a major risk of methemoglobinemia caused by nitrates ingested in drinking water,[13] dehydration (usually caused by gastroenteritis with diarrhea), sepsis, or topical anesthetics containing benzocaine or prilocaine resulting in blue baby syndrome. Nitrates used in agricultural fertilizers may leak into the ground and may contaminate well water. The current EPA standard of 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water is specifically set to protect infants.[13] Benzocaine applied to the gums or throat (as commonly used in baby teething gels, or sore throat lozenges) can cause methemoglobinemia.[14][15]

Genetic

[edit]
The congenital form of methemoglobinemia has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Due to a deficiency of the enzyme diaphorase I (cytochrome b5 reductase), methemoglobin levels rise and the blood of met-Hb patients has reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Instead of being red in color, the arterial blood of met-Hb patients is brown. This results in the skin of white patients gaining a bluish hue. Hereditary met-Hb is caused by a recessive gene. If only one parent has this gene, offspring will have normal-hued skin, but if both parents carry the gene, there is a chance the offspring will have blue-hued skin.[citation needed]

Another cause of congenital methemoglobinemia is seen in patients with abnormal hemoglobin variants such as hemoglobin M (HbM), or hemoglobin H (HbH), which are not amenable to reduction despite intact enzyme systems.[citation needed]

Methemoglobinemia can also arise in patients with pyruvate kinase deficiency due to impaired production of NADH  – the essential cofactor for diaphorase I. Similarly, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency may have impaired production of another co-factor, NADPH.[16]

Pathophysiology

[edit]

The affinity for oxygen of ferric iron is impaired. The binding of oxygen to methemoglobin results in an increased affinity for oxygen in the remaining heme sites that are in ferrous state within the same tetrameric hemoglobin unit.[17] This leads to an overall reduced ability of the red blood cell to release oxygen to tissues, with the associated oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve therefore shifted to the left. When methemoglobin concentration is elevated in red blood cells, tissue hypoxia may occur.[18]

Normally, methemoglobin levels are <1%, as measured by the CO-oximetry test. Elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood are caused when the mechanisms that defend against oxidative stress within the red blood cell are overwhelmed and the oxygen carrying ferrous ion (Fe2+) of the heme group of the hemoglobin molecule is oxidized to the ferric state (Fe3+). This converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin, resulting in a reduced ability to release oxygen to tissues and thereby hypoxia. This can give the blood a bluish or chocolate-brown color. Spontaneously formed methemoglobin is normally reduced (regenerating normal hemoglobin) by protective enzyme systems, e.g., NADH methemoglobin reductase (cytochrome-b5 reductase) (major pathway), NADPH methemoglobin reductase (minor pathway) and to a lesser extent the ascorbic acid and glutathione enzyme systems. Disruptions with these enzyme systems lead to methemoglobinemia. Hypoxia occurs due to the decreased oxygen-binding capacity of methemoglobin, as well as the increased oxygen-binding affinity of other subunits in the same hemoglobin molecule, which prevents them from releasing oxygen at normal tissue oxygen levels.[citation needed]

Diagnosis

[edit]
Color chart for the detection of the amount of methemoglobin in the blood

The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia is made with the typical symptoms, a suggestive history, low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry measurements (SpO2) and these symptoms (cyanosis and hypoxia) failing to improve on oxygen treatment. The definitive test would be obtaining either CO-oximeter or a methemoglobin level on an arterial blood gas test.[3] Arterial blood with an elevated methemoglobin level has a characteristic chocolate-brown color as compared to normal bright red oxygen-containing arterial blood; the color can be compared with reference charts.[6]

The SaO2 calculation in the arterial blood gas analysis is falsely normal, as it is calculated under the premise of hemoglobin either being oxyhemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. However, co-oximetry can distinguish the methemoglobin concentration and percentage of hemoglobin.[3] At the same time, the SpO2 concentration as measured by pulse ox is false high, because methemoglobin absorbs the pulse ox light at the 2 wavelengths it uses to calculate the ratio of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. For example with a methemoglobin level of 30–35%, this ratio of light absorbance is 1.0, which translates into a false high SpO2 of 85%.[3]

Differential diagnosis

[edit]

Other conditions that can cause bluish skin include argyria, sulfhemoglobinemia, heart failure,[3] amiodarone-induced bluish skin pigmentation and acrodermatitis enteropathica.[3]

Treatment

[edit]
Cyanosis from methemoglobinemia
Resolved after methylene blue

Methemoglobinemia can be treated with supplemental oxygen and methylene blue.[19] Methylene blue is given as a 1% solution (10 mg/ml) 1 to 2 mg/kg administered intravenously slowly over five minutes. Although the response is usually rapid, the dose may be repeated in one hour if the level of methemoglobin is still high one hour after the initial infusion. Methylene blue inhibits monoamine oxidase, and serotonin toxicity can occur if taken with an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medicine.[20]

Methylene blue restores the iron in hemoglobin to its normal (reduced) oxygen-carrying state.[4] This is achieved by providing an artificial electron acceptor (such as methylene blue or flavin) for NADPH methemoglobin reductase (RBCs usually don't have one; the presence of methylene blue allows the enzyme to function at 5× normal levels).[21] The NADPH is generated via the hexose monophosphate shunt.

Genetically induced chronic low-level methemoglobinemia may be treated with oral methylene blue daily. Also, vitamin C can occasionally reduce cyanosis associated with chronic methemoglobinemia, and may be helpful in settings in which methylene blue is unavailable or contraindicated (e.g., in an individual with G6PD deficiency).[22] Diaphorase (cytochrome b5 reductase) normally contributes only a small percentage of the red blood cell's reducing capacity, but can be pharmacologically activated by exogenous cofactors (such as methylene blue) to five times its normal level of activity.[citation needed]

Epidemiology

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Methemoglobinemia mostly affects infants under 6 months of age (particularly those under 4 months) due to low hepatic production of methemoglobin reductase.[23][24] The most at-risk populations are those with water sources high in nitrates, such as wells and other water that is not monitored or treated by a water treatment facility. The nitrates can be hazardous to the infants.[25][26] The link between blue baby syndrome in infants and high nitrate levels is well established for waters exceeding the normal limit of 10 mg/L.[27][28] However, there is also evidence that breastfeeding is protective in exposed populations.[29]

Society and culture

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Blue Fugates

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Main article: Blue Fugates

The Fugates, a family that lived in the hills of Kentucky in the US, had the hereditary form. They are known as the "Blue Fugates".[30] Martin Fugate and Elizabeth Smith, who had married and settled near Hazard, Kentucky, around 1800, were both carriers of the recessive methemoglobinemia (met-H) gene, as was a nearby clan with whom the Fugates descendants intermarried. As a result, many descendants of the Fugates were born with met-H.[31][32][33][34]

Blue Men of Lurgan

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The "blue men of Lurgan" were a pair of Lurgan men suffering from what was described as "familial idiopathic methemoglobinemia" who were treated by James Deeny in 1942. Deeny, who would later become the Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Ireland, prescribed a course of ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate. In case one, by the eighth day of treatments, there was a marked change in appearance, and by the twelfth day of treatment, the patient's complexion was normal. In case two, the patient's complexion reached normality over a month-long duration of treatment.[35]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Methemoglobinemia". MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d "NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms". National Cancer Institute. 2 February 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Ludlow JT, Wilkerson RG, Nappe TM (January 2019). "Methemoglobinemia". StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. PMID 30726002.
  4. ^ a b Wettstein ZS, Yarid NA, Shah S (December 2022). "Fatal methaemoglobinemia due to intentional sodium nitrite ingestion". BMJ Case Reports. 15 (12): e252954. doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-252954. PMC 9748921. PMID 36524260.
  5. ^ Oiseth S, Jones L, Maza E (eds.). "Methemoglobinemia". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b Khanapara DB, Sacher RA, Kumar MDenshaw-Burke M, Savior DC, Curran AL, DelGiacco E, Abouelezz KF (7 December 2023). Besa EC (ed.). "Methemoglobinemia". eMedicine. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  7. ^ Ash-Bernal R, Wise R, Wright SM (September 2004). "Acquired methemoglobinemia: a retrospective series of 138 cases at 2 teaching hospitals". Medicine. 83 (5): 265–273. doi:10.1097/01.md.0000141096.00377.3f. PMID 15342970. S2CID 40957843.
  8. ^ Zosel A, Rychter K, Leikin JB (2007). "Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia: case report and literature review". American Journal of Therapeutics. 14 (6): 585–587. doi:10.1097/MJT.0b013e3180a6af55. PMID 18090884. S2CID 24412967.
  9. ^ Adams V, Marley J, McCarroll C (November 2007). "Prilocaine induced methaemoglobinaemia in a medically compromised patient. Was this an inevitable consequence of the dose administered?". British Dental Journal. 203 (10): 585–587. doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.1045. PMID 18037845.
  10. ^ Barash M, Reich KA, Rademaker D (February 2015). "Lidocaine-induced methemoglobinemia: a clinical reminder". The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 115 (2): 94–98. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2015.020. PMID 25637615.
  11. ^ Titov VY, Petrenko YM (April 2005). "Proposed mechanism of nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia". Biochemistry. Biokhimiia. 70 (4): 473–483. doi:10.1007/s10541-005-0139-7. PMID 15892615. S2CID 22906218.
  12. ^ Powlson DS, Addiscott TM, Benjamin N, Cassman KG, de Kok TM, van Grinsven H, et al. (2008). "When does nitrate become a risk for humans?". Journal of Environmental Quality. 37 (2): 291–295. Bibcode:2008JEnvQ..37..291P. doi:10.2134/jeq2007.0177. PMID 18268290. S2CID 14097832.
  13. ^ a b "Basic Information about Nitrate in Drinking Water". United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  14. ^ "FDA Drug Safety Communication: Reports of a rare, but serious and potentially fatal adverse effect with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 7 April 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  15. ^ "Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics". U.S. FDA. May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
  16. ^ Oiseth S, Jones L, Maza E, eds. (3 September 2020). "Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  17. ^ Darling RC, Roughton FJ (1942). "The effect of methemoglobin on the equilibrium between oxygen and hemoglobin". Am J Physiol. 137: 56. doi:10.1152/ajplegacy.1942.137.1.56.
  18. ^ Umbreit J (February 2007). "Methemoglobin--it's not just blue: a concise review". American Journal of Hematology. 82 (2): 134–144. doi:10.1002/ajh.20738. PMID 16986127. S2CID 29107446.
  19. ^ Yusim Y, Livingstone D, Sidi A (June 2007). "Blue dyes, blue people: the systemic effects of blue dyes when administered via different routes". Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 19 (4): 315–321. doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2007.01.006. PMID 17572332.
  20. ^ Gillman PK (October 2006). "Methylene blue implicated in potentially fatal serotonin toxicity". Anaesthesia. 61 (10): 1013–1014. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2044.2006.04808.x. PMID 16978328.
  21. ^ Yubisui T, Takeshita M, Yoneyama Y (June 1980). "Reduction of methemoglobin through flavin at the physiological concentration by NADPH-flavin reductase of human erythrocytes". Journal of Biochemistry. 87 (6): 1715–1720. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.jbchem.a132915. PMID 7400118.
  22. ^ Prchal JT. Burns MM, Takemoto CM (eds.). "Methemoglobinemia". UpToDate.
  23. ^ Richard AM, Diaz JH, Kaye AD (1 January 2014). "Reexamining the risks of drinking-water nitrates on public health". Ochsner Journal. 14 (3): 392–398. PMC 4171798. PMID 25249806.
  24. ^ "Nitrates and drinking water". www.bfhd.wa.gov. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  25. ^ Manassaram DM, Backer LC, Moll DM (1 March 2007). "A review of nitrates in drinking water: maternal exposure and adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes". Ciencia & Saude Coletiva. 12 (1): 153–163. doi:10.1590/S1413-81232007000100018. PMC 1392223. PMID 17680066.
  26. ^ Fan AM, Steinberg VE (February 1996). "Health implications of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water: an update on methemoglobinemia occurrence and reproductive and developmental toxicity". Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 23 (1 Pt 1): 35–43. doi:10.1006/rtph.1996.0006. PMID 8628918.
  27. ^ "Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking-Water" (PDF). www.who.int. WHO Press. 2011. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  28. ^ "Table of Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants". www.epa.gov. 30 November 2015. Retrieved 2016-12-12.
  29. ^ Pollock JI (May 1994). "Long-term associations with infant feeding in a clinically advantaged population of babies". Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. 36 (5): 429–440. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.1994.tb11869.x. PMID 8168662. S2CID 41483123.
  30. ^ "Blue-skinned family baffled science for 150 years". MSN. 24 February 2012. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  31. ^ Adams C (24 July 1998). "Is there really a race of blue people?". Straight Dope.
  32. ^ "Appalachia's Blue People". Tri City Herald. 7 November 1974. p. 32.
  33. ^ Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise
  34. ^ "Martin Fuqatenin nəsli: genetik problemə görə dünyaya gələn mavi uşaqlar — Mavi Fuqatelər" [Generation of Martin Fugaten: Blue Children born according to genetic problem - blue fuqates]. YouTube (in Azerbaijani).
  35. ^ Deeny J (1995). The End of an Epidemic. Dublin: A.& A.Farmar. ISBN 978-1-899047-06-2.
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