Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine

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VOLUME 18 , ISSUE 2 ( February, 2014 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Severe methemoglobinemia due to insecticide poisoning

Tarun George, Atif Shaikh, Abhilash Kundavaram

Keywords : Biological extracts, insecticide, methemoglobinemia

Citation Information : George T, Shaikh A, Kundavaram A. Severe methemoglobinemia due to insecticide poisoning. Indian J Crit Care Med 2014; 18 (2):113-114.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.126087

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-12-2014

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2014; The Author(s).


Abstract

Methemoglobinemia is an altered state of hemoglobin resulting in impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues. Deliberate ingestion of certain insecticides and pesticides may result in this condition. We report a case of severe methemoglobinemia after deliberate ingestion of an insecticide marketed to be safe and containing only biological extracts and fillers. Methemoglobinemia should be suspected with low oxygen saturation on pulse oxymetry and the presence of chocolate colored blood. The methemoglobin level of 91% in our patient is the highest level reported among methemoglobinemia survivors.


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