Pediatr. praxi. 2011;12(4):267-269

Acute methemoglobinemia - serious alimentary intoxication caused by vegetable

MUDr.Kateřina Pizingerová, Ph.D.¹, MUDr.Jiří Fremuth¹, MUDr.Lumír Šašek¹, prof.MUDr.Josef Sýkora, Ph.D.¹, MUDr.Zdeňka Černá¹, MUDr.Alice Hrušková¹, MUDr.Renata Pomahačová, Ph.D.¹, MUDr.Zdeňka Baliharová², RNDr.Svatopluk Krýsl, CSc.³, MUDr.Vlasta Petříková⁴, doc.MUDr.Jiří Kobr, Ph.D.¹

¹ Dětská klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň

² PLDD, Plzeň

³ Zdravotní ústav se sídlem v Plzni, Centrum hygienických laboratoří, Klatovy

⁴ Ústav klinické biochemie a hematologie LF UK a FN, Plzeň

Authors present a case report of a 2-year-old male who developed acute intoxication caused by nitrates following a large amount of

ingested uncooked pumpkin. Clinical signs included partial loss of consciousness, vomiting and cyanosis. The level of methemoglobin

reached > 0,3 (> 30 %). This condition required urgent tracheal intubation, artificial lung ventilation using 100 % oxygen and administration

of antidote. Complete treatment was effective and led to the full-recovery of the patient. The definitive evidence of the cause of the

condition was difficult, nevertheless convincing. The authors inform the medical community about dangerous alimentary intoxication

of children who are fed seemingly healthy vegetables from unchecked origins.

Keywords: acute methemoglobinemia, nitrates intoxication, unregulated vegetable markets

Published: September 2, 2011  Show citation