Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
04:52
Author Spotlight: Marmoset Research - Scope and Challenges
Published on: June 9, 2023
2.6K
[Infant with cyanosis and hypoxemia]
Simone Nicolaus1, Ute Friederike Jarmola2, Sebastian Becker2
1Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Darmstädter Kinderkliniken Prinzessin Margaret, Darmstadt, Germany.
Klinische Padiatrie
|January 19, 2026
Summary
Local anesthetics like mepivacaine can cause dangerous methemoglobinemia in infants. This condition, marked by abnormal skin color and hypoxemia, is treatable with methylene blue.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Toxicology
- Hematology
Background:
- Infants are susceptible to methemoglobinemia due to underdeveloped enzyme systems.
- Methemoglobinemia impairs oxygen transport, leading to cyanosis and hypoxemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of infant methemoglobinemia following local anesthesia.
- To highlight the risks of mepivacaine in pediatric patients.
- To emphasize timely diagnosis and treatment of methemoglobinemia.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 8-week-old infant presenting with cyanosis post-achillotomy.
- Analysis of blood gas and methemoglobin levels.
- Treatment with methylene blue.
Main Results:
- Elevated methemoglobin level (38%) confirmed post-mepivacaine anesthesia.
- Infant presented with cyanosis, hypoxemia, and lactic acidosis.
- Complete recovery (restitutio ad integrum) after methylene blue administration.
Conclusions:
- Local anesthetics, particularly mepivacaine, can induce methemoglobinemia in infants.
- Recognizing methemoglobinemia is crucial for prompt and effective treatment.
- Methylene blue is an effective antidote for this condition.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
262
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
262
03:34Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
48.6K
Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
48.6K