Keywords
Methemoglobinemia
Lidocaine
How to Cite
Abstract
Abstract
Methemoglobin is an oxidized form of hemoglobin that does not bind to oxygen. Increased levels in the blood can cause the clinical syndrome of methemoglobinemia. The etiology can be either congenital (defects in hemoglobin synthesis or metabolism) or acquired, often drug-induced. Local anesthetic drugs are often held responsible. In this study, five cases of methemoglobinemia following local anesthetic drug administration were examined in terms of the history of the event, duration of symptom onset, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and treatments applied. By reviewing the literature, the cases were interpreted, suggestions were made on issues that should be avoided, and it was aimed to draw the attention of the medical community about this side effect, which may lead to legal applications by the patient's relatives.
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