Journal article
Nosocomial Methemoglobinemia Resulting from Self-Administration of Benzocaine Spray
Case reports in anesthesiology, v 2015, 685304
01 Jan 2015
PMID: 26605091
Abstract
Methemoglobinemia is life-threatening and bears pathognomonic signs difficult to diagnose in real time. Local anesthetics are widely used and are known for eliciting this condition. We report a case of methemoglobinemia secondary to self-administered use of benzocaine spray. A 27-year-old woman was found to be in respiratory distress during postoperative recovery. After desaturation persisted, arterial blood gas yielded a methemoglobin level of 47%. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous methylene blue. Review of the events revealed self-administered doses of benzocaine spray to alleviate discomfort from a nasogastric tube. We review this case in detail in addition to discussing methemoglobinemia and its relevant biochemistry, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and medical management. Given the recognized risk of methemoglobinemia associated with benzocaine use, we recommend its removal from the market in favor of safer alternatives.
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Details
- Title
- Nosocomial Methemoglobinemia Resulting from Self-Administration of Benzocaine Spray
- Creators
- Christopher Hoffman - Hahnemann University HospitalHawa Abubakar - Hahnemann University HospitalPramood Kalikiri - Hahnemann University HospitalMichael Green - Hahnemann University Hospital
- Contributors
- Renato Santiago Gomez (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Case reports in anesthesiology, v 2015, 685304
- Publisher
- Hindawi Publishing Corporation
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
- Other Identifier
- 991020836218604721