Methemoglobinemia: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Methemoglobinemia treatment is required when an individual has too little oxygen delivered to the cells in their body. In this disease the levels of the methemoglobin rises beyond normal in the blood. This blood disorder is of two types – the acquired type and the congenital type. In cases of infants, they can inherit the disease from their parents which is sometimes known as the blue baby syndrome. This is because the skin shows a blue tinge as a symptom Acquired MetHb can develop in people who are exposed to certain kinds of drugs or chemicals. Although acquired methb is rare, it still needs to be treated. The treatment however is not required if the symptoms do not appear. Once the underlying cause is removed, the condition is automatically cured.

When congenital methb does not show any symptoms, no particular treatment is required. In mild cases of acquired methb, the cause needs to be removed and the condition goes away following that. Your doctor will suggest a number of blood tests to check the functioning of the hemoglobin in the body. A pulse oximetry may also be carried out which helps in checking the level of oxygen in the blood. Pulse oximetry is also used to check the concentration of gases in the blood.

For congenital methb, no treatment is required if the patient does not show any signs and symptoms of the problem. Similar is the case with acquired methb where treatment is not required in mild cases. The cause of the problem however, the substance which causes the problem needs to be avoided by the patient. In severe cases of methb, methylene blue is required to treat the problem. An ascorbic acid prescription may also be given by your doctor to reduce the level of methemoglobin from the blood. Other more severe cases may require a complete blood transfusion or exchange transfusion to help the patient recover. Oxygen therapy can also be required.

After the initial diagnosis, the treatment should start immediately to manage methemoglobinemia. In may be important to carry out investigations to strike out the chances of cardiac and pulmonary abnormalities. People with an elevated level of methemoglobin in their blood should be hospitalized for further treatment. The methylene blue should be slowly and intravenously administered over five minutes. The process may be repeated in an hour if the level of methemoglobin is still high in the body after the initial infusion.

Individual who show symptoms like shortness of breath, mental status changes as well as cyanosis, headache and fatigue, dizziness and loss of hairlines should get themselves checked for the disease.

Individuals who are on anti-depressants, are allergic to methylene blue should not get the treatment. Pregnant women are strictly advised not to take methylene blue as well.

Mild dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, frequent urination, stomach cramps and mild bladder irritation can be some of the side effects of going through with the treatment.

Patients who have mild methemoglobinemia can get back on their normal routine as soon as the symptoms clear up. Patients are advised to avoid any substance which causes the problem as a post treatment guideline.

For mild cases, recovery takes no time. The removal of using the substance which causes the problem is the only treatment required.

Methylene blue solution can be purchased for Rs 100-500 in India. A consultation fee of the doctor may come up to Rs 500-1000.

Once the treatment is completed, you need to take some precautions of avoiding any substance which can cause the disease to recur. Apart from that, the result of the treatment is permanent.

Exchange transfusion and hyperbaric oxygen are the alternative treatment which can be opted for. This treatment is considered largely when methylene blue therapy is ineffective.