methemoglobinemia

(mĕt″hē-mō-glōb″ĭ-nē′mē-ă )

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[″ + ″ + ″ + haima, blood]
The clinical condition in which more than 1% of hemoglobin in blood has been oxidized to the ferric (Fe3+) form. The most common sign is cyanosis, because the oxidized hemoglobin does not transport oxygen. Very high concentrations of methemoglobin in the blood, i.e., greater than 30%, may produce dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or more severe neurological symptoms. Coma, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur with levels greater than 55%. Methylene blue is used as an antidote.

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