Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

Methemoglobinemia is a condition in which the iron in the hemoglobin molecule (the red blood pigment) is defective, making it unable to carry oxygen effectively to the tissues.

Methemoglobinemia may be inherited (congenital) or acquired. There are 2 forms of inheritable methemoglobinemia, type 1 and type 2.

Most hereditary cases are type 2, and result from a deficiency in the enzyme cytochrome b5 reductase. The other inheritable type, called hemoglobin M disease (type 1), is an autosomal dominant condition (you only need one affected parent to inherit it) characterized by an inability to convert methemoglobin back to hemoglobin. This usually causes few problems.

Acquired methemoglobinemia exposure to certain chemicals, which cause an increase in the production of methemoglobin. These chemicals include nitrites (used as additives to prevent spoilage of meat), anesthetics such as benzocaine and xylocaine, certain antibiotics (including dapsone and chloroquine), and benzene. Acquired methemoglobinemia may be severe in certain cases, and require treatment. In most mild cases, no treatment is required, other than avoiding the offending medication or chemical.

• In patients with type 2 congenital cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency: mental retardation, developmental delay, failure to thrive. They may also have seizures and other neurologic problems. Most die in infancy.
• In most patients with congenital methemoglobinemia (type 1): a bluish discoloration to the skin and mucous membranes.
• In patients with acquired methemoglobinemia from chemical or drug exposure: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of energy, and potentially shock, seizures, and death.

• Cyanosis (bluish skin color) with a normal level of oxygen in the blood (Pa02 on blood gas)
• Abnormal color optical spectrum of hemoglobin
• Incubation of blood with methylene blue is used to differentiate between cytochrome b5R deficiency and Hemoglobin M disease

Medications used to treat this disorder include:

• Methylene blue or 1 - 2 grams of ascorbic acid daily (to treat type 1 or 2 b5R deficiency) NOTE: Methylene blue may be dangerous in patients who have or may be at risk for an inherited blood disease called G6PD deficiency, and should not be used. 
• Cyanosis caused by hemoglobin M disease tends to be benign but does not respond to treatment.
• Cyanosis caused by exposure to an offending chemical is treated by avoiding that chemical, blood or exchange transfusion for a patient in shock, and repeated doses of IV methylene blue.

In acute exposure:

• Shock
• Seizures
• Death

Call your health care provider if there is a family history of methemoglobinemia and you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Call your health care provider or emergency services immediately if there is severe shortness of breath.

Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of methemoglobinemia.