We had a similar case recently (MetHb about 62%).
The patient had allegedly inhaled some product obtained from Ann Summers. It
was sold, the account goes, as a room air freshener/conditioner but the
patient had been told that inhalation would give some form of enhancement.
The MetHb was attributed to nitrates.
Trevor Tickner,
Norwich
-----Original Message-----
From: PETER HOWELL [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 18 February 2003 11:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: very high methaemoglobin
Well I'm no expert on hair-spray, but it sounds like an acute nitrate or
nitrite poisoning ? Not sure if hair-spray contains either though.
Peter
Peter Howell
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
Wrexham
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Simpson Elliott (MK) Top Grade Biochemist, Laboratory
Directorate [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 18 February 2003 11:20
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: very high methaemoglobin
>
> We had known alcoholic admitted recently who with chest pain followed by
collapse. His blood gases showed a methaemoglobin of 69%. He was
resuscitated following 2 cardiac arrests and the blood gases, repeated about
20 minutes later, showed a methaemoglobin of 82%. Methylene blue was
administered but the patient died of his third cardiac arrest.
>
> He is believed to have drunk hair spray - this supported by smell at post
mortem. Does anyone know what is in hair spray which might have caused
this?
>
> Elliott Simpson
> Clinical Director
> Laboratories & Pharmacy
>
>
>
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