Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
10
pubmed:dateCreated
2004-10-21
pubmed:abstractText
Methemoglobinemia is a rare complication that can occur with the use of benzocaine-containing compounds. Two cases of methemoglobinemia are reported, and the pathophysiology and treatment of methemoglobinemia are reviewed. Both patients received topical 20% benzocaine spray before endoscopy. Immediately following the procedure, there was a reduction in O2 saturation assessed by pulse oximetry that was refractory to O2 therapy. Dramatic peripheral and central cyanosis developed. O2 saturation measured by pulse oximetry ranged from 83% to 87% on O2 by nasal prongs and 100% O2 by a nonrebreathing mask. Both patients were mildly confused and one patient complained of a significant headache. The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia was considered and arterial blood gas sampling was performed. In both patients, the arterial blood had a chocolate brown colour. A methemoglobin level of 48% and 18% was noted in patient 1 and patient 2, respectively. Both patients were treated with methylene blue, resulting in a significant improvement with gradual normalization of their O2 saturation within 10 min to 30 min. The use of benzocaine spray may not markedly alter the patient's perception of endoscopy and thus, the routine use of these agents should be questioned. If such agents are used, the physician must be aware of this association to prevent a delay in the diagnosis and management of this rare, but potentially lethal, condition.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Oct
pubmed:issn
0835-7900
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
18
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
625-9
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2004
pubmed:articleTitle
Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia: a condition of which all endoscopists should be aware.
pubmed:affiliation
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Case Reports, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't