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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Methemoglobinemia in a 14-year-old girl with new-onset dyspnea
Michelle Wallace1, Caitlin Tenbarge, Sofia Harlow
1Michelle Wallace is an associate clinical professor and research coordinator at Wichita State University and practices in the pediatric ED at Wesley Medical Center, both in Wichita, Kan. Caitlin Tenbarge practices at Franciscan Express Care in Indianapolis, Ind. Sofia Harlow practices at Pain & Spine Centers of Florida in Leesburg and Lady Lake, Fla. Nathan Kasting practices at Salina (Kans.) Regional Sports Medicine & Orthopedics. Justin Gooden practices in the pediatric ED at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kans. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
Methemoglobinemia is a rare and potentially life-threatening medical emergency that can be overlooked when evaluating a patient in respiratory distress. Without early recognition, patients may develop respiratory failure and die. This article describes a teenager who presented to the ED for dyspnea and lightheadedness and failed to respond to supplemental oxygen. She was eventually diagnosed with methemoglobinemia.
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