Methemoglobinemia

By Ilene B. Anderson, PharmD; and Susan Y. Kim, PharmD

Print This | TOC | Previous | Next

---

 

Diagnosis

Appearance

One of the most important clues in diagnosing Mhgb is when a cyanotic patient shows no clinical improvement despite 100% oxygen administration. As noted above, even at relatively low levels of Mhgb, the patient may have a cyanotic appearance, yet have no clinical symptoms. Whether at low or high methemoglobin levels, administration of 100% oxygen will not result in any clinical improvement of cyanosis nor increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood to any substantive degree.

---

Print This | TOC | Previous | Next

3300 Dundee Road • Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2348 • (847) 498-1400 • (800) 343-2227
Copyright ©1999-2008 American College of Chest Physicians. All Rights Reserved.
ACCP Privacy Policy | ACCP Web Site Terms of Use