THE CONTROL OF METHEMOGLOBINEMIA WITH METHYLENE BLUE 12

Abstract

Patients receiving sulfanilamide develop varying degrees of methemoglobinemia, the intensity of which is independent of the amt. of sulfanilamide in the blood. Concs, of methemoglobin ranging from 20 to 40% of the total Hb. occurred in 17 patients whose blood sulfanilamide conc, was less than 10 mg. %. 5 patients, some with higher blood sulfanilamide cones., had over 30% methemoglobin. Intraven. inj. into such individuals of 1 to 2 mg. of methylene blue per kg. body wt. brings about rapid conversion of all of the MHb. to Hb.