Can nitrates cause methemoglobinemia?
The most common cause of methemoglobinemia is the ingestion or inhalation of oxidizing agents such as nitrates or nitrites (e.g., sodium nitrite, which is used commonly as a preservative in curing meats and fish).
What chemicals can cause methemoglobinemia?
Methemoglobinemia is commonly caused by exposure to medical substances, such as benzocaine and dapsone, that oxidize hemoglobin to MetHb; exhaust fumes from internal combustion engines; herbicides and pesticides; and chemicals, such as nitrobenzene and aniline [5-11].
How do nitrates affect human health and cause methemoglobinemia?
Consuming too much nitrate can affect how blood carries oxygen and can cause methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome). Bottle-fed babies under six months old are at the highest risk of getting methemoglobinemia.
Which ion causes methemoglobinemia?
Elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood are caused when the mechanisms that defend against oxidative stress within the red blood cell are overwhelmed and the oxygen carrying ferrous ion (Fe2+) of the heme group of the hemoglobin molecule is oxidized to the ferric state (Fe3+).
What does nitrate do to the human body?
Nitrate performs physiological functions in various systemic activities, including blood pressure reduction, platelet aggregation inhibition, and vessel protective effect – functions similar to those of NO [3, 37].
What is the antidote for methemoglobinemia?
Methylene blue has been in medicinal use for centuries and is best known as an antidotal treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia (MetHB).
Is there a cure for methemoglobinemia?
The condition is benign. There is no effective treatment for people with a congenital form who develop an acquired form. This means that they should not take drugs such as benzocaine and lidocaine. People who acquire methemoglobinemia from medications can completely recover with proper treatment.
Can humans get nitrate poisoning?
Misuse or excessive use of any medicine or product containing nitrates, whether unintentionally or intentionally, can lead to poisoning. Poisoning can result from swallowing, inhaling, or even skin contact. People have been poisoned after drinking nitrate-contaminated rural well water.
What does nitrate do to hemoglobin?
Nitrates can change normal hemoglobin (the chemical in the blood responsible for oxygen transport) to methemoglobin. Normally, methemoglobin levels are less than 2.5 percent of the body’s total hemoglobin. Nitrates act to increase the methemoglobin, which reduces the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to cells.
Can sodium nitrite cause methemoglobinemia?
Sodium nitrite intoxication is a common cause of severe methemoglobinemia; however, only one suicidal case has been reported [2]. The concentration of methemoglobin does not exceed 1%-2% in the normal physiological state [3] and levels of 10%–20% generally cause cyanosis.
How do you get methemoglobinemia?
Methemoglobinemia is acquired most commonly after ingestion or inhalation of an oxidizing agent, such as nitrates or nitrites. Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are used for their antimicrobial effects to preserve and cure meat, fish, and certain cheeses.
What causes methemoglobinemia in babies?
Bacteria in a baby’s digestive system mixes with the nitrates and leads to methemoglobinemia. Fully developed digestive systems keep children older than 6 months and adults from developing this nitrate poisoning.
Does methemoglobinemia go away with methylene blue?
Methemoglobinemia resolved soon after injection of methylene blue; however, the serum concentration of sodium nitrite decreased gradually (Figure 2). And there was no rebound methemoglobin formation given the persistence of sodium nitrite in the patient.