Acquired Methaemoglobinaemia Secondary to Sepsis-Induced Oxidative Haemolysis: A Case Report

Vol. 21 No. 6 (suppl) : 2026 (56-61)

Nur Izzati Tukiman Nur Izzati Tukiman
 Izzatul Aliaa Badaruddin Izzatul Aliaa Badaruddin
Nur Aasyirah Zakariah Nur Aasyirah Zakariah
Munirah Md Mansor Munirah Md Mansor

Abstract
Methaemoglobinaemia is a rare condition that disrupts oxygen transport by converting haemoglobin into a non-functional form. Clinical recognition can be delayed due to subtle symptoms and limitations of standard monitoring tools. A 36-year-old man developed acute shortness of breath shortly after taking antibiotics for fever and diarrhoea. Despite high-flow oxygen therapy, his oxygen saturation remained unexpectedly low. Arterial blood appeared dark brown, prompting suspicion of methaemoglobinaemia, which was confirmed by co-oximetry showing methaemoglobin levels of 19.6–24.0%. He also showed evidence of oxidative haemolysis and severe anaemia, although his glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase screening test was normal. Methylene blue was administered but had no therapeutic effect and was discontinued. Supportive care and intravenous antibiotics were given for presumed sepsis-related oxidative stress. The patient improved steadily and was discharged after 16 days with residual kidney impairment from the sepsis. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenge of methaemoglobinaemia, particularly in the absence of classic signs like cyanosis. A discrepancy between pulse oximetry and arterial saturation can offer an important clue. Awareness of contributing factors and thoughtful interpretation of laboratory results are essential to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Keywords : Anaemia; case report; co-oximetry; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; methaemoglobinaemia; methylene blue; sepsis,
Abstrak
Methaemoglobin merupakan keadaan yang jarang berlaku yang mengganggu pengangkutan oksigen dengan menukarkan hemoglobin kepada bentuk yang tidak berfungsi. Pengenalpastian secara klinikal boleh tertangguh disebabkan spektrum gejala luas dan tidak ketara serta kekangan alat pemantauan konvensional. Seorang lelaki berusia 36 tahun mengalami sesak nafas akut selepas pengambilan antibiotik untuk merawat demam dan cirit-birit. Walaupun menerima terapi oksigen aliran tinggi, ketepuan oksigennya kekal rendah. Darah arteri kelihatan berwarna coklat gelap, mencetuskan syak terhadap ketepuan methemoglobin dalam darah, yang kemudiannya disahkan melalui bacaan ko-oksimetri dengan paras methaemoglobin sebanyak 19.6–24.0%. Pesakit juga menunjukkan tanda hemolisis oksidatif dan anemia teruk, walaupun ujian saringan glukosa-6-fosfat dehidrogenase adalah normal. Rawatan dengan metilena biru telah diberikan tetapi tidak menunjukkan kesan terapeutik lalu dihentikan. Rawatan sokongan serta antibiotik intravena diberikan bagi menangani stres oksidatif yang disyaki berpunca daripada jangkitan kuman. Pesakit beransur pulih dan didiscaj selepas 16 hari dengan gangguan fungsi buah pinggang yang masih berbaki akibat sepsis. Laporan kes ini menggambarkan cabaran diagnostik dalam mengendalikan kes methemoglobin, terutamanya tanpa ketiadaan tanda klasik seperti sianosis. Percanggahan antara bacaan oksimetri nadi dan ketepuan oksigen arteri ialah petunjuk penting dan seharusnya dititikberatkan. Kesedaran terhadap faktor penyumbang serta tafsiran keputusan makmal yang teliti adalah penting bagi memastikan rawatan yang selamat dan berkesan.
Kata Kunci : Anemia; ko-oksimetri; glukosa-6-fosfat dehidrogenase; laporan kes; methaemoglobina; metilena biru; sepsis,

Correspondance Address
*Correspondence: izzatulaliaa@ukm.edu.my; Tel: +603 91455376