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Siblings with pediatric sodium chlorite toxicity causing methemoglobinemia, renal failure and hemolytic anemia
1Department of Emergency Medicine Western Michigan University School of Medicine 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. 49008.
Introduction:
Over the past decade, Miracle Mineral Solution (sodium chlorite) has been promoted as a cure-all for many conditions.
Case Report:
A 9-year-old boy presented with his brother after they accidentally ingested a small amount of undiluted 22.4% sodium chlorite. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Oxygen saturation remained 71% despite supplemental oxygen (15L/min). The patient was noted to have dark chocolate-appearing blood, minimal urine output, diffuse pallor and cyanosis. He developed methemoglobinemia, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy and hemolysis requiring blood transfusion.
Discussion:
These are the 7th and 8th reported cases of sodium chlorite toxicity by ingestion and the second and third in children. Takeaway for Physicians: Miracle Mineral Solution is a commonly purchased potentially lethal compound that can cause methemoglobinemia with respiratory failure, hemolytic anemia requiring transfusion and renal failure requiring dialysis.
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Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...

