Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0495
ISSN: 2161-0495
Kate Twelker
Tanzania
Case Report
Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Acquired Methemoglobinemia Following
Toxic Ingestion of Ammonium Nitrate in the Setting of Small Bowel Obstruction
Author(s): Matthew Grujich, Anya Romanoff, Kate Twelker, Jasmine Dave and Mark SuMatthew Grujich, Anya Romanoff, Kate Twelker, Jasmine Dave and Mark Su
Methemoglobinemia after ingestion of ammonium nitrate can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Ammonium nitrate is a primary ingredient in synthetic “cold packs,” which are used in healthcare as a substitute for bags of ice. Acute or chronic ingestion can have serious consequences to patient health including isosmotic diuresis, metabolic acidosis, circulatory collapse and gastritis. Methemoglobinemia is a result of nitrite toxicity. This toxicity can be compounded by patient comorbidities, which may further complicate treatment. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential in the treatment of Methemoglobinemia following ammonium nitrate ingestion.
We present the case of a 76 year-old woman who was admitted for small bowel obstruction (SBO) and unintentionally ingested the contents of a cold pack. The patient subsequently became tachycard.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2161-0495.1000352