Sudden death in an infant from methemoglobinemia after administration of "sweet spirits of nitre"
Chilcote, R.R.; Williams, B.; Wolff, L.J.; Baehner, R.L.
Pediatrics 59(2): 280-282
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 834512 Document Number: 116558
The administration of sweet spirits of nitre (4% ethyl nitrite CH3CH2ONO in 70% ethyl alcohol) was followed by acute methemoglobinemia and severe anoxic metabolic acidosis in infant twins. Methylene blue administration reversed methemoglobinemia in both, but 1 twin died from the consequences of hypoxemia. Hb electrophoresis and met-Hb reductase determinations were normal for age. This medicine is available without prescription and contains the potent oxidant ethyl nitrite. In infants with sudden death or onset of cyanosis, appropriate toxicological and historical information should be obtained.