Fatal Methaemoglobinaemia Due to Intentional Sodium Nitrite Poisoning
Huntington, G.R.; Pennington, J.M.
Acute Medicine 20(2): 148-150
2021
ISSN/ISBN: 1747-4892 PMID: 34190743 Document Number: 18188
We report a case of fatal methaemoglobinaema resulting from sodium nitrite poisoning. A 28 year old woman arrested in the emergency department following collapse. During resuscitation a venous blood gas revealed a methaemoglobin percentage of 81%. Following treatment with methylene blue, sodium bicarbonate and adrenaline, the methaemoglobin decreased. Prior to transfer to intensive care, a CT head revealed extensive hypoxic brain injury. Two days later brain death was confirmed on brainstem testing. Severe methaemoglobinaemia is rapidly fatal, with fast diagnosis and treatment associated with improved outcomes.
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