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
>
>
>
> Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Disclaimer Notice
> ********************************************************************
> The information contained in this message may be confidential
> or legally privileged and is intended for the addressee only.
> If you have received this message in error or there are any problems
> please notify the originator immediately.
> The unauthorised use,disclosure,copying or alteration of this
> message is strictly forbidden.
>
> ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content.
>
> ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/
------ACB discussion List Information--------
This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical
community working in clinical biochemistry.
Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed
via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and
they are responsible for all message content.
ACB Web Site
http://www.acb.org.uk
List Archives
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html
List Instructions (How to leave etc.)
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/
|