Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
13:13
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Acquired methemoglobinaemia
1The Royal London Hospital, London, UK;
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
|May 2, 2012
Summary
Recreational alkyl nitrite use can cause acquired methemoglobinaemia, a rare condition. Early recognition is crucial, especially when pulse oximetry readings conflict with arterial blood gas measurements.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acquired methemoglobinaemia is uncommon in acute care settings.
- Discrepancies between PaO2 and pulse oximetry readings can indicate methemoglobinaemia.
- Recreational alkyl nitrite use is a potential trigger for this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of acquired methemoglobinaemia linked to recreational alkyl nitrite ('poppers') use.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing this rare but serious condition.
- To emphasize the association between alkyl nitrites and methemoglobinaemia for timely diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients presenting with symptoms.
- Clinical observation and laboratory analysis.
- Review of literature on acquired methemoglobinaemia and alkyl nitrite toxicity.
Main Results:
- Both patients developed acquired methemoglobinaemia.
- The condition was secondary to the recreational use of alkyl nitrites.
- Clinical presentation included findings inconsistent with pulse oximetry readings.
Conclusions:
- Acquired methemoglobinaemia due to alkyl nitrites requires increased clinical awareness.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential for patient outcomes.
- Healthcare providers should consider recreational drug use in patients with unexplained cyanosis or hypoxia.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
01:24Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits. Two of these subunits are alpha chains, and the other two are beta chains. Each subunit contains a molecule of heme, which has an iron atom and can bind to oxygen. When an oxygen molecule binds to one heme group, it changes the shape of hemoglobin, making it easier for the other heme groups to bind oxygen as well.
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
01:20Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...