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.