Health Encyclopedia

Methemoglobinemia

Definition

Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which the body cannot recycle hemoglobin after it is damaged. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying molecule found in red blood cells. In some cases of methemoglobinemia, the hemoglobin is unable to carry oxygen effectively to body tissues.

Alternative Names

Hemoglobin M disease; Erythrocyte reductase deficiency; Generalized reductase deficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Methemoglobinemia may be passed down through families (inherited), or it may result from exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, or foods (acquired).

There are two forms of inherited methemoglobinemia. The first form is an autosomal recessive condition. This means it is passed on by both parents who usually do not have the condition themselves but carry the gene that causes the condition. It occurs when there is a problem with an enzyme called cytochrome b5 reductase. There are two subtypes of autosomal recessive methemoglobinemia:

Type 1, also called erythrocyte reductase deficiency, occurs when red blood cells lack the enzyme.
Type 2, also called generalized reductase deficiency, occurs when the enzyme doesn't work anywhere in the body.

The second form of inherited methemoglobinemia, called hemoglobin M disease, is caused by defects in the hemoglobin molecule itself. It is an autosomal dominant condition. That means only one parent needs to pass you the abnormal gene in order for you to inherit the disease.

Acquired methemoglobinemia is more common than the inherited forms. It occurs after exposure to certain chemicals and drugs, including:

Anesthetics such as benzocaine and Xylocaine
Benzene
Certain antibiotics (including dapsone and chloroquine)
Nitrites (used as additives to prevent spoilage of meat)

The condition may also occur in infants who are very ill or who are fed too many vegetables containing nitrates (such as beets).

Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 methemoglobinemia (erythrocyte reductase deficiency) include:

Bluish coloring of the skin and mucous membranes

Symptoms of type 2 methemoglobinemia (generalized reductase deficiency) include:

Developmental delay
Failure to thrive
Mental retardation
Seizures

Symptoms of hemoglobin M disease include:

Bluish coloring of the skin and mucous membranes
Mild breakdown of red blood cells

Symptoms of acquired methemoglobinemia include:

Bluish coloring of the skin and mucous membranes
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Lack of energy

Signs and tests

Methemoglobinemia can be diagnosed with a blood test.

A baby with this condition will have bluish skin color (cyanosis) at birth or shortly thereafter. Arterial blood gases and pulse oximetry results will be normal, making the condition challenging to diagnose.

Treatment

A medicine called methylene blue is used to treat persons with severe methemoglobinemia. Note: Methylene blue may be dangerous in patients who have or may be at risk for a blood disease called G6PD deficiency, and should not be used. If you or your child have G6PD deficiency, always tell the health care provider before treatment is given.

Ascorbic acid may also be used to reduce the level of methemoglobin.

Alternative treatments include hyperbaric oxygen therapy and exchange transfusions.

In most cases of mild acquired methemoglobinemia, no treatment is required, other than avoiding the medicine or chemical that caused the problem. Treatment, such as a blood transfusion, may be needed in severe cases.

Expectations (prognosis)

People with Type 1 methemoglobinemia and hemoglobin M disease usually do well. Type 2 methemoglobinemia is much more serious, and usually causes death within the first few years of life.

People with acquired methemoglobinemia usually do very well once the drug, food, or chemical that caused the problem is avoided.

Complications

Shock
Seizures
Death

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if there is a family history of methemoglobinemia and you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Call your health care provider or emergency services immediately if there is severe shortness of breath.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended for couples with a family history of methemoglobinemia who are considering having children.

References

DeBaun MR, Vichinsky E. Hemoglobinopathies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 462.

Gregg XT, Prchal JT. Red Blood Cell Enzymopathies. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, Furie B, Cohen HJ, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2005: chap 39.

Review Date:7/17/2008
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Maternal & Child Health Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.