Rare case of Hemolysis and acquired methemoglobinemia after application of topical anaesthetic agents: A report
Methemoglobin (MetHb) is a rare condition in which dysfunctional form of hemoglobin that is incapable of transporting oxygen, thus reducing blood oxygenation and potentially inducing tissue hypoxemia. Some drugs, like dapson, nitroglycerine, nitroprusside, nitric oxide, sulfanamides, phenazopyridine, chloroquine, lidocaine, prilocaine, and benzocaine, are known to cause acquired methemoglobinemia.
Cocaine-derived anesthetics, including lidocaine and benzocaine, are extensively used in medical procedures, such as endoscopy and bronchoscopy moreover, they may be used topically. Researchers in this case study present a unique and atypical case of methemoglobinemia and hemolysis induced by self-administration of topical lidocaine and benzocaine.
The case study describes a 25-year-old Persian male presenting with generalized weakness, dizziness, headache, and cyanosis. In addition, he had genital warts starting 3 weeks ago, which were self-treated with podophyllin, resulting in itching and pain. The case study is published in Journal of Medical Case Reports.
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