Publication: Methemoglobinemia due to Hemolysis Secondary to Infection in a Child: A Case Report
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Methemoglobinemia is a rare condition characterised by hypoxic state manifesting as headache, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. We report a 2-year-old boy presenting with fever and cough for 7 days with an episode of hypoxia as the saturation declined and did not improve on face mask oxygenation. On further evaluation, acute intravascular hemolysis was established following decreased haemoglobin level, increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and unconjugated bilirubin in the setting of documented infection. Assessment of arterial blood gas showed a significantly raised saturation gap and detection of methemoglobin confirmed the diagnosis. He was managed conservatively with packed red blood cells transfusion following which hypoxia was corrected. Methemoglobinemia as a result of hemolysis can be a non-cardio-respiratory cause of hypoxia and inciting aetiology needs to be addressed.
Description
Authors
Biraj Parajuli
Department of Pediatrics, Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Swikriti Shrestha
Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Sandesh Lamichhane
Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Subash Subedi
Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Sujata KC
Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Keywords
Case reports, Hemolysis, hypoxia, Infection, Methemoglobinemia