Fatal methemoglobinemia caused by inadvertent contamination of a laxative solution with sodium nitrite

M. Ellis, Y. Hiss, L. Shenkman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We describe two cases of fatal methemoglobinemia resulting from ingestion of laxative solution inadvertently contaminated with sodium nitrite. Postmortem toxicological examination revealed methemoglobin levels in excess of 75% in both patients-a level that is uniformly fatal. The laxative solution was found to contain sodium nitrite instead of sodium sulphate at a concentration of 15 g/l. The pathophysiology of methemoglobinemia and a review of other reported cases of toxic methemoglobinemia are presented. Marked cyanosis in the face of intact cardiorespiratory function should alert the physician to the possibility of toxic methemoglobinemia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)289-291
Number of pages3
JournalIsrael Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume28
Issue number5
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cyanosis
  • Methemoglobinemia
  • Nitrites
  • Poisoning

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