BaroneMnemonic:  Methemoglobinemia

Here's a fun way to remember the treatment of Methemoglobinemia by using the name!!!! :)

 

 

Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that has Iron in the Fe+3 (ferric) state.

There are congenital forms (The "Blue" Fugates family of Kentucky) and acquired causes such exposure to oxidizing agents  (nitrates from drinking from a stream, Drugs such as dapsone, niitroglycerin)

Methemoglobin has a decreased ability to bind oxygen and high quantities of Methemoglobin leads to tissue hypoxia and clinical cyanosis!

Methemoglobin gives the arterial blood a characteristic brown chocolate-like color.

If methemoglobinemia is suspected an arterial blood gas and co-oximetry(gold standard) should be obtained for diagnosis.

The classic treatment is supplemental oxygen and IV methylene blue.

Methylene blue helps the Methemoglobin-Reductase enzyme reduce methemoglobin back to hemoglobin.

Category: Pharm Mnemonics

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