Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Methemoglobinemia

Hemoglobin M disease; Erythrocyte reductase deficiency; Generalized reductase deficiency; MetHb

 

Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin.

With methemoglobinemia, the hemoglobin can carry oxygen, but is not able to release it effectively to body tissues.

Causes

 

MetHb condition can be:

  • Passed down through families (inherited or congenital)
  • Caused by exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, or foods (acquired)

There are two forms of inherited MetHb. The first form is passed on by both parents. The parents usually do not have the condition themselves. They carry the gene that causes the condition. It occurs when there is a problem with an enzyme called cytochrome b5 reductase .

There are two types of inherited MetHb:

  • Type 1 (also called erythrocyte reductase deficiency) occurs when RBCs lack the enzyme.
  • Type 2 (also called generalized reductase deficiency) occurs when the enzyme doesn't work in the body.

The second form of inherited MetHb is called hemoglobin M disease. It is caused by defects in the hemoglobin protein itself. Only one parent needs to pass on the abnormal gene for the child to inherit the disease.

Acquired MetHb is more common than the inherited forms. It occurs in some people after they are exposed to certain chemicals and drugs, including:

  • Anesthetics such as benzocaine
  • Nitrobenzene
  • Certain antibiotics (including dapsone and chloroquine)
  • Nitrites (used as additives to prevent meat from spoiling)

Certain foods, such as spinach, beets or carrots contain natural nitrates in large amounts. These foods should not be given to children younger than 6 months of age.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of type 1 MetHb include:

  • Bluish coloring of the skin

Symptoms of type 2 MetHb include:

  • Developmental delay
  • Failure to thrive
  • Intellectual disability
  • Seizures

Symptoms of hemoglobin M disease include:

  • Bluish coloring of the skin

Symptoms of acquired MetHb include:

  • Bluish coloring of the skin
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lack of energy

 

Exams and Tests

 

A baby with this condition will have a bluish skin color (cyanosis) at birth or shortly afterward. The health care provider will perform blood tests to diagnose the condition. Tests may include:

  • Checking the oxygen level in the blood (pulse oximetry)
  • Blood test to check levels of gases in the blood ( arterial blood gas analysis )

 

Treatment

 

People with hemoglobin M disease don't have symptoms. So, they may not need treatment.

A medicine called methylene blue is used to treat severe MetHb. Methylene blue may be unsafe in people who have or may be at risk for a blood disease called G6PD deficiency . They should not take this medicine. If you or your child has G6PD deficiency, always tell your provider before getting treatment.

Ascorbic acid may also be used to reduce the level of methemoglobin.

Alternative treatments include hyperbaric oxygen therapy , red blood cell transfusion and exchange transfusions .

In most cases of mild acquired MetHb, no treatment is needed. But you should avoid the medicine or chemical that caused the problem. Severe cases may need a blood transfusion.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

People with type 1 MetHb and hemoglobin M disease often do well. Type 2 MetHb is more serious. It often causes death within the first few years of life.

People with acquired MetHb often do very well once the drug, food, or chemical that caused the problem is identified and avoided.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of MetHb include:

  • Shock
  • Seizures
  • Death

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you:

  • Have a family history of MetHb
  • Develop symptoms of this disorder

Call your provider or emergency services (911) right away if you have severe shortness of breath .

 

Prevention

 

Genetic counseling is suggested for couples with a family history of MetHb and are considering having children.

 

 

Open References

References

Benz EJ Jr, Ebert BL. Hemoglobin varients associated with hemolytic anemia, altered oxygen affinity, and methemoglobinemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 41.

 
  • Blood cells

    Blood cells - illustration

    Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

    Blood cells

    illustration

    • Blood cells

      Blood cells - illustration

      Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

      Blood cells

      illustration

    Tests for Methemoglobinemia

     
       

      Review Date: 5/20/2016

      Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

      A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



      Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.