METHEMOGLOBINEMIA

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia is a life-threatening disease that must be treated promptly and efficiently. It is diagnosed by performing different diagnostic tests. Methylene blue is being used as a vital treatment for methemoglobinemia, but does not have proven efficacy in patient with G6PD deficiency. Here in the case study, we have reported the case of a 19-year-old male patient with an alleged history of industrial exposure to nitrobenzene (aniline dye exposure in textile factories), who developed methemoglobinemia, for which he was treated with methylene blue. However, there was no improvement in his symptoms. On the other hand, there was a drop in his hemoglobin level with worsening of kidney function due to hemolysis of red blood cells. On further examination, the patient was found to be G6PD deficient. The patient was provided with the only available method of treatment consisting of repeated blood transfusions and ascorbic acid with dialysis to which the patient responded, started recovering and after 26 days of intensive treatment, he was discharged from the hospital.