Methemoglobinemia resulting from absorption of nitrates

Three cases of toxic methemoglobinemia resulted from absorption of nitrate salts through burned skin areas. In addition to the unusual route of intoxication, this report emphasizes the occupational hazard of methemoglobinemia in workers exposed to nitrogen salts and the importance of rapid diagnosis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 242; no. 26; p. 2869
Main Authors Harris, J C, Rumack, B H, Peterson, R G, McGuire, B M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 28.12.1979
Subjects
Accidents, Occupational
Adult
Burns, Chemical - metabolism
Cytochrome-B Reductase - metabolism
Humans
Male
Methemoglobin - analysis
Methemoglobinemia - chemically induced
Middle Aged
Models, Chemical
Nitrates - adverse effects
Nitrates - metabolism
Skin - injuries
Skin Absorption
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Summary:Three cases of toxic methemoglobinemia resulted from absorption of nitrate salts through burned skin areas. In addition to the unusual route of intoxication, this report emphasizes the occupational hazard of methemoglobinemia in workers exposed to nitrogen salts and the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia should be suspected in any case of cyanosis refractory to oxygen therapy. Appropriate treatment should include oxygen, methylene blue, and exchange transfusion in clinically severe cases.
ISSN:0098-7484
DOI:10.1001/jama.1979.03300260039025