Methaemoglobinaemia due to accidental sodium nitrite poisoning. Report of 10 cases
Kaplan, A.; Smith, C.; Promnitz, D.A.; Joffe, B.I.; Seftel, H.C.
South African Medical Journal 77(6): 300-301
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 2315812 Document Number: 350923
Nitrates and nitrites are widely used in the food and chemical industry. Poisoning with these agents may be poentially life-threatening as a result of the production of methaemoglobin. A group of 10 patients suffering from moderate to severe methaemoglobinaemia after accidental intoxication with a sodium nitrite salt is described. One patient died out the other 9 recovered rapidly. The low mortality rate was attributed to prompt diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy with methylene blue and ascorbic acid.